What do you think?
Rate this book
Under the Ghost Moon: A Novel
From the martial law era of Taiwan to present-day Kauai, a woman uncovers her family’s secrets in a moving multigeneration saga by the author of The Fourth Daughter.
When Joey Zhang’s brother, Sam, drowns off the coast of Kauai, she must return to the island to piece together the clues he left behind. In the process, Joey unearths secrets Sam had kept from her all her life, along with their mother’s journal, which reveals what really happened the night their parents died when Joey was only eleven.
With the help of Sam’s best friend Ethan, Joey embarks on a journey to unveil long-buried family trauma that reaches back to a Taiwan plagued with mass violence and totalitarian rule during the White Terror. Moved by her mother’s heartbreaking confessions and following the cherished mythology of the Old Man Under the Moon, who unites all predestined couples with a silken cord, Joey becomes a witness to a past she never imagined.
Sweeping across decades, continents, and lifetimes of impossible choices that still echo into the present, Joey must decide whether she is strong enough to face the horrifying truth about her parents’ lives and discover who she truly is, or turn her back on the only family she has left.
When Joey Zhang’s brother, Sam, drowns off the coast of Kauai, she must return to the island to piece together the clues he left behind. In the process, Joey unearths secrets Sam had kept from her all her life, along with their mother’s journal, which reveals what really happened the night their parents died when Joey was only eleven.
With the help of Sam’s best friend Ethan, Joey embarks on a journey to unveil long-buried family trauma that reaches back to a Taiwan plagued with mass violence and totalitarian rule during the White Terror. Moved by her mother’s heartbreaking confessions and following the cherished mythology of the Old Man Under the Moon, who unites all predestined couples with a silken cord, Joey becomes a witness to a past she never imagined.
Sweeping across decades, continents, and lifetimes of impossible choices that still echo into the present, Joey must decide whether she is strong enough to face the horrifying truth about her parents’ lives and discover who she truly is, or turn her back on the only family she has left.
331 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Lyn Liao Butler
12 books479 followersLyn Liao Butler was born in Taiwan and moved to the States when she was seven. Before becoming an author, she was a professional ballet and modern dancer, and is still a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and yoga instructor. She is an avid animal lover and fosters dogs as well as volunteers with rescues.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), their three stubborn dachshunds, sewing for her Etsy shop, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), their three stubborn dachshunds, sewing for her Etsy shop, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Forgive me, but I'm less interested in Taiwan's political turmoil than all the family drama occurring in this book. Half contemporary, half historical fiction, this book tells Joey's story as a Taiwanese American living in New York. Her brother Sam has just drowned off the coast of Kaua'i, where they grow up. Interestingly enough, their parents also died by drowning.
I will say the second half of this novel gripped me more than the first. All of this helped by Natalie Naudus' narration. I was curious of Joey's judgment of her father cheating with the nanny when she herself starts the book in a relationship with a married man. And then she pushes Sam's best friend Ethan away, still horrified when he rejected her at eighteen. He was twenty six, so I get it.
But the discovery of family that wants you, juxtaposed by family that doesn't, really hit me in the chest. You can't really choose your family. But you can choose what you can handle.
Forgive me, but I'm less interested in Taiwan's political turmoil than all the family drama occurring in this book. Half contemporary, half historical fiction, this book tells Joey's story as a Taiwanese American living in New York. Her brother Sam has just drowned off the coast of Kaua'i, where they grow up. Interestingly enough, their parents also died by drowning.
I will say the second half of this novel gripped me more than the first. All of this helped by Natalie Naudus' narration. I was curious of Joey's judgment of her father cheating with the nanny when she herself starts the book in a relationship with a married man. And then she pushes Sam's best friend Ethan away, still horrified when he rejected her at eighteen. He was twenty six, so I get it.
But the discovery of family that wants you, juxtaposed by family that doesn't, really hit me in the chest. You can't really choose your family. But you can choose what you can handle.
Read
July 23, 2026This one intrigued me from the start, but knowing I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction, I was hesitant. Still, I requested it through NetGalley and was approved by Brilliance Audio. What initially drew me in was the opportunity to explore Taiwanese culture. I had previously read another book by this author that featured a character with a Taiwanese background, and I really enjoyed the cultural elements included there.
The good news for me was that this book didn’t contain a large amount of historical content. In fact, I don’t feel the description accurately captures what the story is actually about. That may be disappointing for readers expecting a stronger historical fiction focus, but I still found it to be an enjoyable read.
Instead, the story centers on family secrets and generational trauma. I did find it a bit slow at times, and it never fully captured my attention in the way I expected. However, by the end, I was glad I had read it.
The audiobook was narrated by Natalie Naudus, who, as always, did a fabulous job. Her pacing and delivery are excellent, bringing nuance to the characters without becoming overly dramatic.
If you’re looking for an atmospheric, slower-paced family saga featuring deeply flawed characters and rich Asian cultural elements, this may be the perfect book for you.
The good news for me was that this book didn’t contain a large amount of historical content. In fact, I don’t feel the description accurately captures what the story is actually about. That may be disappointing for readers expecting a stronger historical fiction focus, but I still found it to be an enjoyable read.
Instead, the story centers on family secrets and generational trauma. I did find it a bit slow at times, and it never fully captured my attention in the way I expected. However, by the end, I was glad I had read it.
The audiobook was narrated by Natalie Naudus, who, as always, did a fabulous job. Her pacing and delivery are excellent, bringing nuance to the characters without becoming overly dramatic.
If you’re looking for an atmospheric, slower-paced family saga featuring deeply flawed characters and rich Asian cultural elements, this may be the perfect book for you.
July 16, 2026
Under the Ghost Moon
By: Lyn Liam Butler
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Thrilled to get this copy of Butler’s latest novel. A novel based on family secrets through the years. A family journal might unravel what happened to parents who died way too young. Joey’s brother Sam drowns, and when she returns to Kauai, she wants to find out what happened. She will find out more than she ever imagined. Sometimes the past heals, and sometimes it better kept in the past. Healing, family and dark secrets make this one an emotional read.
By: Lyn Liam Butler
Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Thrilled to get this copy of Butler’s latest novel. A novel based on family secrets through the years. A family journal might unravel what happened to parents who died way too young. Joey’s brother Sam drowns, and when she returns to Kauai, she wants to find out what happened. She will find out more than she ever imagined. Sometimes the past heals, and sometimes it better kept in the past. Healing, family and dark secrets make this one an emotional read.
August 4, 2026
Under the Ghost Moon by Lyn Lio Butler is a compelling historical fiction novel with the light family saga elements I always search for in the genre.
When main character Joey receives word that her brother Sam has drowned off the coast of Kauaʻi, she returns home heartbroken and confused. Upon her arrival, Sam’s best friend, Ethan, reveals that Sam had been guarding major family secrets—including their late mother’s translated diary detailing what truly happened the night their parents died years ago. From there, Joey sets out to uncover a web of family history spanning from the White Terror period in Taiwan to long-buried personal truths. As she pieces together the past, she also finds herself navigating resurfacing feelings for Ethan.
This was a fast-paced listen that offered a poignant look into one family’s lived experience during Taiwan's White Terror—a historical period I wasn't as familiar with beforehand. While I would have loved more in-depth character development for both Joey and Sam, as well as a deeper dive into the historical context of the White Terror, Butler balances historical detail exceptionally well without making the story feel like a textbook. It’s an ideal entry point for readers looking to break into historical fiction!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrator Natalie Naudus did a fantastic job managing the distinct character voices throughout the story—no complaints here at all!
Final Verdict: 3.5 stars (only because I wanted more!). Butler has officially been added to my backlist TBR.
Out today—happy release day! Massive thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
When main character Joey receives word that her brother Sam has drowned off the coast of Kauaʻi, she returns home heartbroken and confused. Upon her arrival, Sam’s best friend, Ethan, reveals that Sam had been guarding major family secrets—including their late mother’s translated diary detailing what truly happened the night their parents died years ago. From there, Joey sets out to uncover a web of family history spanning from the White Terror period in Taiwan to long-buried personal truths. As she pieces together the past, she also finds herself navigating resurfacing feelings for Ethan.
This was a fast-paced listen that offered a poignant look into one family’s lived experience during Taiwan's White Terror—a historical period I wasn't as familiar with beforehand. While I would have loved more in-depth character development for both Joey and Sam, as well as a deeper dive into the historical context of the White Terror, Butler balances historical detail exceptionally well without making the story feel like a textbook. It’s an ideal entry point for readers looking to break into historical fiction!
Audio Thoughts:
Narrator Natalie Naudus did a fantastic job managing the distinct character voices throughout the story—no complaints here at all!
Final Verdict: 3.5 stars (only because I wanted more!). Butler has officially been added to my backlist TBR.
Out today—happy release day! Massive thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
![Profile Image for Kuu [semi-ia for china reasons].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1725785181i/108391134._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC/ALC.
Oh this was a great book. I loved the representation of Asian life on Hawai'i (though a bit more acknowledgment of native Hawaiian life would have been lovely, too), as that's not a perspective I've found a lot in Asian-American literature, despite the huge Asian presence on Hawai'i. And then to discuss Taiwan under its dictatorship, which ALSO isn't something I've seen a lot, despite the large amount of books about CHINA's dictatorship... Very appreciated fresh perspectives, and Butler's writing really worked to make the reader feel the emotional impact both on the large scale and on the individual and their family. Joey, Sam, their mother and father and Renren and Yao... All these characters are given so much depth, their lives tangled but still very much their own, each with their own way to deal with the legacy they've been forced to accept... Aourgh there's so much in here. I'm definitely going to want to reread this after learning more about Taiwan during this era, because I felt like I could have appreciated the history and the oppressive nature of their families' feelings so much better if I had known more about the specifics, even though Butler did do a great job introducing the most important aspects and facts, while focusing very much on the emotional impact it had on the individual and the collective as consisting of individuals.
A great book, very happy to have read it.
Oh this was a great book. I loved the representation of Asian life on Hawai'i (though a bit more acknowledgment of native Hawaiian life would have been lovely, too), as that's not a perspective I've found a lot in Asian-American literature, despite the huge Asian presence on Hawai'i. And then to discuss Taiwan under its dictatorship, which ALSO isn't something I've seen a lot, despite the large amount of books about CHINA's dictatorship... Very appreciated fresh perspectives, and Butler's writing really worked to make the reader feel the emotional impact both on the large scale and on the individual and their family. Joey, Sam, their mother and father and Renren and Yao... All these characters are given so much depth, their lives tangled but still very much their own, each with their own way to deal with the legacy they've been forced to accept... Aourgh there's so much in here. I'm definitely going to want to reread this after learning more about Taiwan during this era, because I felt like I could have appreciated the history and the oppressive nature of their families' feelings so much better if I had known more about the specifics, even though Butler did do a great job introducing the most important aspects and facts, while focusing very much on the emotional impact it had on the individual and the collective as consisting of individuals.
A great book, very happy to have read it.
October 23, 2026
Under the Ghost Moon is a beautiful and emotional read. This dual timeline story set between Taiwan and Kauai is an exploration of family and culture.
The characters in this book are all flawed, making them easy to relate to. As the family’s deep secrets come to light, Joey is forced to face and navigate them as she begins to learn more about her heritage and herself.
This book is an exploration of family and the secrets they hold. Grief, identity, struggles, resilience, self-discovery and hope all play a role in this touching story by author Lyn Liao Butler.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio for the gifted copy of this book. Narrated by Natalie Naudus, this production was beautifully done!
The characters in this book are all flawed, making them easy to relate to. As the family’s deep secrets come to light, Joey is forced to face and navigate them as she begins to learn more about her heritage and herself.
This book is an exploration of family and the secrets they hold. Grief, identity, struggles, resilience, self-discovery and hope all play a role in this touching story by author Lyn Liao Butler.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio for the gifted copy of this book. Narrated by Natalie Naudus, this production was beautifully done!
August 11, 2026
Intriguing. Compelling. Atmospheric.
'From the martial law era of Taiwan to present-day Kauai, a woman uncovers her family’s secrets...Sweeping across decades, continents, and lifetimes of impossible choices that still echo into the present, Joey must decide whether she is strong enough to face the horrifying truth about her parents’ lives and discover who she truly is, or turn her back on the only family she has left.'
I enjoyed this emotional story as an engaging audiobook. It was beautifully narrated by Natalie Naudus, and I was hooked into the story from beginning to the emotionally impactful ending.
#ReadingTheWorld Taiwan 🇹🇼
'From the martial law era of Taiwan to present-day Kauai, a woman uncovers her family’s secrets...Sweeping across decades, continents, and lifetimes of impossible choices that still echo into the present, Joey must decide whether she is strong enough to face the horrifying truth about her parents’ lives and discover who she truly is, or turn her back on the only family she has left.'
I enjoyed this emotional story as an engaging audiobook. It was beautifully narrated by Natalie Naudus, and I was hooked into the story from beginning to the emotionally impactful ending.
#ReadingTheWorld Taiwan 🇹🇼
June 11, 2026
Another one of Lyn Liao Butler's masterpieces!
Under the Ghost Moon has been whatever I expected and more!
The story starts with Joey's arrival after her brother's death. But he didn't leave without any last piece of consolation. Sam left videos and even their mother's journal for Joey to make sense of her life. And through it all, she realises her history, that was hidden from her all along.
One of the best thing about this book was its characters. Most of them were flawed and that made them all the more realistic. My favourite character was Joey's mother, whose journal painted both the hope and misery that a woman faced in her lifetime.
Another highlight of the story was its exploration of human emotions. The characters and their emotions appear to seep out of the book.There were few moments in the story went the story made me too sad and I was shedding tears.
Overall, this was a slow read of exploring unsaid human emotions in the backdrop of the history of Taiwan.
Under the Ghost Moon has been whatever I expected and more!
The story starts with Joey's arrival after her brother's death. But he didn't leave without any last piece of consolation. Sam left videos and even their mother's journal for Joey to make sense of her life. And through it all, she realises her history, that was hidden from her all along.
One of the best thing about this book was its characters. Most of them were flawed and that made them all the more realistic. My favourite character was Joey's mother, whose journal painted both the hope and misery that a woman faced in her lifetime.
Another highlight of the story was its exploration of human emotions. The characters and their emotions appear to seep out of the book.There were few moments in the story went the story made me too sad and I was shedding tears.
Overall, this was a slow read of exploring unsaid human emotions in the backdrop of the history of Taiwan.
July 23, 2026
I was so excited to read this book, as the description captivated me. The writing is beautiful and I truly loved the first half of this book. I liked the main character, Joey, and was rooting for her. I also loved the way her family’s secrets were revealed after her brother’s death, through her mother’s writings.
However…
The last 20% of the book dragged for me. This is probably a matter of personal taste and other readers would find the last bits of the books more compelling, but I didn’t care about her *other* family member. I didn’t like the resolution of the story. I sympathized with Sam (her brother) and her mother far more than the main character.
I wish I could give half stars bc I do think this was more of a 3.5 for me.
I received an ARC of this book and appreciate the chance to review. I look forward to reading more this author’s works.
However…
The last 20% of the book dragged for me. This is probably a matter of personal taste and other readers would find the last bits of the books more compelling, but I didn’t care about her *other* family member. I didn’t like the resolution of the story. I sympathized with Sam (her brother) and her mother far more than the main character.
I wish I could give half stars bc I do think this was more of a 3.5 for me.
I received an ARC of this book and appreciate the chance to review. I look forward to reading more this author’s works.
August 6, 2026
An emotional tale of how past transgressions can lead to generational trauma and it takes just one brave soul to start the healing process.
Another fabulous story from Lyn which embraces the rich Taiwanese culture and honours the past martial law history by weaving in the brutal realities of a time which has left deep scars.
I listened to this book as an audiobook. The narrator Natalie Naudus did a fantastic job of capturing all of the different characters and their emotions.
I received this book via the digital distributor and all opinions are my own.
Another fabulous story from Lyn which embraces the rich Taiwanese culture and honours the past martial law history by weaving in the brutal realities of a time which has left deep scars.
I listened to this book as an audiobook. The narrator Natalie Naudus did a fantastic job of capturing all of the different characters and their emotions.
I received this book via the digital distributor and all opinions are my own.
September 9, 2026
One of the strongest aspects of this work was the inclusion of some Taiwanese history. It was incorporated in a way that was meaningful and didn't slow down the plot. I do think the first half of the book was weaker than the second, but did quite like the second half.
I feel like the author tried a little too hard to make things in the MC's life parallel things that were happening in the book to her, in a way that felt like it was trying to be meta or break the fourth wall a bit. I didn't like this at all. I also disliked how much time she spent mooning over Ethan at the beginning of the book - it got pretty repetitive and felt out of place with what was happening in the plot.
This was a decent family drama with aspects of historical fiction. My thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I feel like the author tried a little too hard to make things in the MC's life parallel things that were happening in the book to her, in a way that felt like it was trying to be meta or break the fourth wall a bit. I didn't like this at all. I also disliked how much time she spent mooning over Ethan at the beginning of the book - it got pretty repetitive and felt out of place with what was happening in the plot.
This was a decent family drama with aspects of historical fiction. My thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5 rounded away because in the end, the more I sit with this, the more I just wasn't fond of a lot of things here.
Great premise, lovely cover, as always Natalie Naudus was a great narration choice for the variety of ages in this one family (and a few friends), but the book overall didn't work in execution.
Under the Ghost Moon follows Joey, a girl orphaned in her teens and cared for by her brother, at 39 after receiving the news of the death of said brother. There, from a series of pre-recorded videos from her brother before his chosen death (cw: suicide/cancer) in the face of terminal illness and his translation of their mother's journal, she discovers everything about their family's past that her brother has kept from her for over 20 years. Also her brother's best friend, aka her long time (LONG time) crush is there, and breaking news, he happens to be recently divorced.
What's good - I imagine very few people outside of the Taiwanese people/diaspora know much about the Taiwan independence movement and the horrors of the KMT 'oversight'. These are still issues today, though in differing forms. And books like this, much like The Lion Women of Tehran, make these worldwide issues more accessible, especially to people that don't know a thing about Taiwan, or only know that there's controversy about its designation.
What didn't work so much - A little more than half the story is her mother's journal, which unfortunately does not read like any sort of journal - there's a lot of "explaining for the reader" both in-journal and with several moments of dialogue throughout the book that become more stark examples of the "telling the reader everything, showing them little" issues throughout. I think I could have been fine with the, "okay, this doesn't read like anybody's journal but sure, we'll go with that for literary convention's sake" if it wasn't so obviously very written in a way that was to be read. (Since Sam, the brother, translated it, maybe it would have been neat for there to be notes from him in the margin or something considering Joey knew zip about a lot of things?). There's also a chapter or two near the end that's another character's story (as he's telling it, but it's his POV chapter) that has the same issue but it does make more sense to be told that way since it's in person, to an audience.
There's also the fact that EVERYTHING is predictable or connected. You know the brother's best friend and Joey are going to be a thing, it's so shoehorned in and not in a fun anticipatory way. Ethan doesn't have any kind of personality or character except that he's hot, and every time Joey has some revelation from the diary, there's a pause, and it's like, "Oh, Sam told you this already too?" (this happens several times) (what also happens several times is the exact phrasing: 'and then they kissed'). And then when we find out more about the family near the end of the book, it's not even a gasp-surprise, it's, 'yeah, okay, of course this would happen' to the point where when a grandfather is telling his story, I kept expecting his unnamed roommate to be Joey's disappeared/killed grandfather.
Overall I would recommend this book to people who like historical fiction but don't get too deep into it, who like multi-generational family stories and stories about dealing with BIG OL CHEATERS, and really easy romance as a side dish. It's very, I didn't like it that much but I can definitely see where the audiences are for it. Oh well! Good premise and important info within though, and applause to the author for not shying away from being so brazenly TAIWAN in this current world where censorship about even MENTIONING Taiwan is still a thing.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for the ALC for review.
Great premise, lovely cover, as always Natalie Naudus was a great narration choice for the variety of ages in this one family (and a few friends), but the book overall didn't work in execution.
Under the Ghost Moon follows Joey, a girl orphaned in her teens and cared for by her brother, at 39 after receiving the news of the death of said brother. There, from a series of pre-recorded videos from her brother before his chosen death (cw: suicide/cancer) in the face of terminal illness and his translation of their mother's journal, she discovers everything about their family's past that her brother has kept from her for over 20 years. Also her brother's best friend, aka her long time (LONG time) crush is there, and breaking news, he happens to be recently divorced.
What's good - I imagine very few people outside of the Taiwanese people/diaspora know much about the Taiwan independence movement and the horrors of the KMT 'oversight'. These are still issues today, though in differing forms. And books like this, much like The Lion Women of Tehran, make these worldwide issues more accessible, especially to people that don't know a thing about Taiwan, or only know that there's controversy about its designation.
What didn't work so much - A little more than half the story is her mother's journal, which unfortunately does not read like any sort of journal - there's a lot of "explaining for the reader" both in-journal and with several moments of dialogue throughout the book that become more stark examples of the "telling the reader everything, showing them little" issues throughout. I think I could have been fine with the, "okay, this doesn't read like anybody's journal but sure, we'll go with that for literary convention's sake" if it wasn't so obviously very written in a way that was to be read. (Since Sam, the brother, translated it, maybe it would have been neat for there to be notes from him in the margin or something considering Joey knew zip about a lot of things?). There's also a chapter or two near the end that's another character's story (as he's telling it, but it's his POV chapter) that has the same issue but it does make more sense to be told that way since it's in person, to an audience.
There's also the fact that EVERYTHING is predictable or connected. You know the brother's best friend and Joey are going to be a thing, it's so shoehorned in and not in a fun anticipatory way. Ethan doesn't have any kind of personality or character except that he's hot, and every time Joey has some revelation from the diary, there's a pause, and it's like, "Oh, Sam told you this already too?" (this happens several times) (what also happens several times is the exact phrasing: 'and then they kissed'). And then when we find out more about the family near the end of the book, it's not even a gasp-surprise, it's, 'yeah, okay, of course this would happen' to the point where when a grandfather is telling his story, I kept expecting his unnamed roommate to be Joey's disappeared/killed grandfather.
Overall I would recommend this book to people who like historical fiction but don't get too deep into it, who like multi-generational family stories and stories about dealing with BIG OL CHEATERS, and really easy romance as a side dish. It's very, I didn't like it that much but I can definitely see where the audiences are for it. Oh well! Good premise and important info within though, and applause to the author for not shying away from being so brazenly TAIWAN in this current world where censorship about even MENTIONING Taiwan is still a thing.
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for the ALC for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Taiwanese-American writer Lyn Liao Butler has written 8 novels, each demonstrating her unique sensitivity to race and gender, both in the Asian nations to which she has ethnic ties, and to ‘immigrant’ lure of the United States. She considers the shifting meanings of ‘mixed race,’ cultural identity, divided loyalties, and families both sustaining and destroying. It is a tall order that can’t be easily fulfilled.
This is a dual timeline, cross generational narrative, juxtaposing the story of siblings Sam and Joey Zhang, their parents (Ah-Hui and Zhi Wei) who married despite their own parents’ disapproval, and their beloved Nanny, Ren Ren Ayi. Joey, originally named Chiao-Yi, has arrived in Kuaui from her New York home to bury her older brother Sam. Although she knew about his terminal cancer, she has great difficulty accepting that he is dying. Their childhood friend Ethan Yamaguchi, stoic to an extreme, had been Sam’s caregiver.
While Sam and Joey are children, their attractive, wealthy and stubbornly proud parents are wrapped up in some melodrama of their own. ‘Acting out’ is the best term for their co-dependent relationship. They behave childishly, the mother obsessing about her husband’s infidelity, issuing ultimatums, and constantly threatening to leave. He, meanwhile, swears that he loves no one more than her, while openly carrying out an intensely needy relationships with the nanny he hired to help his wife. While still a young child, Ah-Hui makes real plans to leave her besotted husband. Then they are both killed in a mysterious boating accident.
In the contemporary timeline, Sam has bequeathed a box of personal letters, a journal and a videotape to his sister, to be examined with Ethan. What they discover shocks Joey, who was too young to be aware, but Ethan already knew most of the sad and complicated story that tore this family apart. They were left traumatized, not only by their familial situation, but also due to Taiwan’s tormented history under Kuomingtan rule.
The author’s personal experience of Taiwanese culture enhances her telling of this family’s travails, and bits of historical fact advance her historical fiction. Similarly, there are wonderful evocations of the changes and continuities of the area’s history. Joey is more aligned with the traditional, while Sam leans toward the modern. The Kuomintang threat is a tense undercurrent that occasionally rises to the surface.
The problem I have with this otherwise well written and researched novel is the characters development . For all their evident suffering and loss, I see a lot of undirected emotion (Joey and her mother especially) and a certain superiority that dampens any real compassion I may have worked up. The rather late half-brother discovery could just as well have been left out. He is sweet, but having been hidden and deprived of his real identity as well as his inheritance, he is unbelievably grateful for any of Joey’s attention. I don’t know what to make of either that new relationship or Joey’s sudden jump into Ethan’s arms. She emotes a fair bit, while Ethan generally responds with a flat ‘oh’ to most situations, tragic or mundane.
Butler is an excellent writer and a skilled historical researcher, but this novel doesn’t show off her talents to any real advantage.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union.
This is a dual timeline, cross generational narrative, juxtaposing the story of siblings Sam and Joey Zhang, their parents (Ah-Hui and Zhi Wei) who married despite their own parents’ disapproval, and their beloved Nanny, Ren Ren Ayi. Joey, originally named Chiao-Yi, has arrived in Kuaui from her New York home to bury her older brother Sam. Although she knew about his terminal cancer, she has great difficulty accepting that he is dying. Their childhood friend Ethan Yamaguchi, stoic to an extreme, had been Sam’s caregiver.
While Sam and Joey are children, their attractive, wealthy and stubbornly proud parents are wrapped up in some melodrama of their own. ‘Acting out’ is the best term for their co-dependent relationship. They behave childishly, the mother obsessing about her husband’s infidelity, issuing ultimatums, and constantly threatening to leave. He, meanwhile, swears that he loves no one more than her, while openly carrying out an intensely needy relationships with the nanny he hired to help his wife. While still a young child, Ah-Hui makes real plans to leave her besotted husband. Then they are both killed in a mysterious boating accident.
In the contemporary timeline, Sam has bequeathed a box of personal letters, a journal and a videotape to his sister, to be examined with Ethan. What they discover shocks Joey, who was too young to be aware, but Ethan already knew most of the sad and complicated story that tore this family apart. They were left traumatized, not only by their familial situation, but also due to Taiwan’s tormented history under Kuomingtan rule.
The author’s personal experience of Taiwanese culture enhances her telling of this family’s travails, and bits of historical fact advance her historical fiction. Similarly, there are wonderful evocations of the changes and continuities of the area’s history. Joey is more aligned with the traditional, while Sam leans toward the modern. The Kuomintang threat is a tense undercurrent that occasionally rises to the surface.
The problem I have with this otherwise well written and researched novel is the characters development . For all their evident suffering and loss, I see a lot of undirected emotion (Joey and her mother especially) and a certain superiority that dampens any real compassion I may have worked up. The rather late half-brother discovery could just as well have been left out. He is sweet, but having been hidden and deprived of his real identity as well as his inheritance, he is unbelievably grateful for any of Joey’s attention. I don’t know what to make of either that new relationship or Joey’s sudden jump into Ethan’s arms. She emotes a fair bit, while Ethan generally responds with a flat ‘oh’ to most situations, tragic or mundane.
Butler is an excellent writer and a skilled historical researcher, but this novel doesn’t show off her talents to any real advantage.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union.
July 26, 2026
Do not read this if you want to be completely invested in an emotional delve into a family’s past, complete with historical context and beautiful descriptions! Oh and a romantic twist!
Joey is devastated to hear that her brother Sam has died unexpectedly, and finds a mixture of comfort and confusion when she learns that he has prepared some video messages for her to help her understand what happened to him. Sam’s messages reveal far more than his terminal illness however, and Joey finds herself immersed in the story of what happened to their parents, who had died in an accident some years before.
What follows is such a sweeping story of discovery, as Joey delves into her mother’s journals and is transported back to her native Taiwan, discovering how her parents met, how they came to live in the United States, what happened to them - and how her beloved nanny Rai Rai was inextricably linked to the events that unfolded. Simultaneously making sense of her grief, Joey is presented with information which changes how she makes sense of her childhood, as well as historical context that has had ripples through subsequent generations and directly shaped where she is today. The characters are so individual and well drawn, and the descriptions are beautiful and tragic all at once, spiralling the reader along with Joey on her journey. Will she be able to put the past into some sort of peaceful perspective, so that she can live in her version of the present? Or will her family’s complex past continue to haunt her and halt her own search for happiness?
This was my first experience of reading work by author Lyn Liao Butler and I am SO glad that there are plenty of her previous titles that I can go and devour! Thank you, and thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for this breathtaking book.
Joey is devastated to hear that her brother Sam has died unexpectedly, and finds a mixture of comfort and confusion when she learns that he has prepared some video messages for her to help her understand what happened to him. Sam’s messages reveal far more than his terminal illness however, and Joey finds herself immersed in the story of what happened to their parents, who had died in an accident some years before.
What follows is such a sweeping story of discovery, as Joey delves into her mother’s journals and is transported back to her native Taiwan, discovering how her parents met, how they came to live in the United States, what happened to them - and how her beloved nanny Rai Rai was inextricably linked to the events that unfolded. Simultaneously making sense of her grief, Joey is presented with information which changes how she makes sense of her childhood, as well as historical context that has had ripples through subsequent generations and directly shaped where she is today. The characters are so individual and well drawn, and the descriptions are beautiful and tragic all at once, spiralling the reader along with Joey on her journey. Will she be able to put the past into some sort of peaceful perspective, so that she can live in her version of the present? Or will her family’s complex past continue to haunt her and halt her own search for happiness?
This was my first experience of reading work by author Lyn Liao Butler and I am SO glad that there are plenty of her previous titles that I can go and devour! Thank you, and thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for this breathtaking book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lyn Liao Butler has such a beautiful way of telling stories. Some readers describe her writing as simple, but I find it elegantly understated. She has a way of drawing you into her characters' lives without relying on overly flowery prose, and once I started Under the Ghost Moon, I didn't want to put it down.
What I loved most was the way the story unfolded. Every chapter peeled back another layer of Joey's family history, revealing just how much had been hidden from her over the years. Through the videos her brother left behind after his sudden passing, her mother's journals, and the answers she uncovers along the way, Joey slowly pieces together a past that is far more complicated and heartbreaking than she ever imagined. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another revelation would completely shift my perspective. I found myself eager to keep reading to discover what Joey would uncover next.
I also loved how Lyn seamlessly weaves Taiwan's history into the narrative. The historical elements never felt like a history lesson; instead, they became an essential part of the family's story, illustrating how political upheaval, sacrifice, and generational trauma continue to shape lives decades later. At its heart, this is a novel about grief, identity, resilience, and discovering that the people we love often carry stories we'll never fully know.
While the romance wasn't my favorite aspect of the novel, it never took away from what made this story so compelling. I was far more invested in Joey's journey of uncovering her family's past, and that emotional thread carried the novel from beginning to end.
If you enjoy multigenerational family stories, historical fiction, and novels that slowly unravel long-buried secrets, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Lyn Liao Butler for sending me a physical ARC. As always, all opinions are my own.
What I loved most was the way the story unfolded. Every chapter peeled back another layer of Joey's family history, revealing just how much had been hidden from her over the years. Through the videos her brother left behind after his sudden passing, her mother's journals, and the answers she uncovers along the way, Joey slowly pieces together a past that is far more complicated and heartbreaking than she ever imagined. Just when I thought I had figured things out, another revelation would completely shift my perspective. I found myself eager to keep reading to discover what Joey would uncover next.
I also loved how Lyn seamlessly weaves Taiwan's history into the narrative. The historical elements never felt like a history lesson; instead, they became an essential part of the family's story, illustrating how political upheaval, sacrifice, and generational trauma continue to shape lives decades later. At its heart, this is a novel about grief, identity, resilience, and discovering that the people we love often carry stories we'll never fully know.
While the romance wasn't my favorite aspect of the novel, it never took away from what made this story so compelling. I was far more invested in Joey's journey of uncovering her family's past, and that emotional thread carried the novel from beginning to end.
If you enjoy multigenerational family stories, historical fiction, and novels that slowly unravel long-buried secrets, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Lyn Liao Butler for sending me a physical ARC. As always, all opinions are my own.
August 5, 2026
This is a sweeping, multigenerational saga unfolding across timelines. Joey, dealing with the sudden loss of her brother, is left a series of clues and documents about her family history. Having migrated to America as a child, she knows little about the history of her Taiwanese family. Her brother leaves her with everything she needs to learn more.
This was emotional and interesting. I did not know a huge amount about the history of Taiwan, so I learned a lot through Joey’s mother. Characters were flawed and layered, and felt distinct. The author did a fantastic job at showing how their choices impacted on lives much later, and it was sad to see Joey’s illusions so shattered. Each flashback peeled back another layer, showing how, despite her ignorance, Joey’s own life was shaped by her ancestors. It was sad to see her perception of her parents shattered, realising that they hadn’t lived the fairytale romance she had imagined.
The writing was beautiful and tragic. It felt very illustrative and immersive, and I loved the descriptions of the settings. It was emotional to see how Joey’s family changed over the generations, ending with her own Anglicanisation of her name and disconnect from her heritage. This is a story of generational trauma and finding the way back to your culture and heritage.
The narrator was fantastic. She was expressive, and did a great job of distinguishing the characters and handling the emotive subject matter very well.
This is a book I would recommend to fans of Lucinda Riley or Taylor Jenkins Reid - stories with multiple timelines and sweeping family sagas.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook.
This was emotional and interesting. I did not know a huge amount about the history of Taiwan, so I learned a lot through Joey’s mother. Characters were flawed and layered, and felt distinct. The author did a fantastic job at showing how their choices impacted on lives much later, and it was sad to see Joey’s illusions so shattered. Each flashback peeled back another layer, showing how, despite her ignorance, Joey’s own life was shaped by her ancestors. It was sad to see her perception of her parents shattered, realising that they hadn’t lived the fairytale romance she had imagined.
The writing was beautiful and tragic. It felt very illustrative and immersive, and I loved the descriptions of the settings. It was emotional to see how Joey’s family changed over the generations, ending with her own Anglicanisation of her name and disconnect from her heritage. This is a story of generational trauma and finding the way back to your culture and heritage.
The narrator was fantastic. She was expressive, and did a great job of distinguishing the characters and handling the emotive subject matter very well.
This is a book I would recommend to fans of Lucinda Riley or Taylor Jenkins Reid - stories with multiple timelines and sweeping family sagas.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Poignant story of discovering family secrets and unwrapping hidden truths is offered in the finely written book about a Taiwanese American woman as she grieves her brother, Sam’s, untimely death.
There is ancient Chinese mythological story about the Old Man Under the Moon who predestines couples with a silk cord - the red thread of fate or connectedness. This tale underlies Joey Zhang’s journey as she is left videos and journals by her brother that will explain the past she was not aware of. In order to do this her brother requests she watch and read with Ethan, Sam’s best friend. Joey’s family’s past is haunting and traumatic. We learn some history about Taiwan (I always love books that include tidbits of history unknown to me - and maybe others - as that sours my curiosity to learn more). That history occurred in the late 1940s when the Kuomintang repressed the Taiwanese people killing thousands. Joey’s family was affected by this horrific period. As she and Ethan work through the historical records left by her brother and mother, they grow close.
This was such a powerful story in its intensity of grief, discovering family, opening the past for healing, and finding forgiveness in love. The book weaves its story by alternating between the past and present which keeps you in suspense as you read. Joey is a great character. Her love for her brother and family is awesome. I was captivated.
I gave this book five stars for its story of family over multi-generations so poignantly drawn, for offering a history not necessarily known to all readers - we must preserve history in every way - and for giving me a wonderful read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this ARC.
There is ancient Chinese mythological story about the Old Man Under the Moon who predestines couples with a silk cord - the red thread of fate or connectedness. This tale underlies Joey Zhang’s journey as she is left videos and journals by her brother that will explain the past she was not aware of. In order to do this her brother requests she watch and read with Ethan, Sam’s best friend. Joey’s family’s past is haunting and traumatic. We learn some history about Taiwan (I always love books that include tidbits of history unknown to me - and maybe others - as that sours my curiosity to learn more). That history occurred in the late 1940s when the Kuomintang repressed the Taiwanese people killing thousands. Joey’s family was affected by this horrific period. As she and Ethan work through the historical records left by her brother and mother, they grow close.
This was such a powerful story in its intensity of grief, discovering family, opening the past for healing, and finding forgiveness in love. The book weaves its story by alternating between the past and present which keeps you in suspense as you read. Joey is a great character. Her love for her brother and family is awesome. I was captivated.
I gave this book five stars for its story of family over multi-generations so poignantly drawn, for offering a history not necessarily known to all readers - we must preserve history in every way - and for giving me a wonderful read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was initially attracted to this book as I read a lot of historical fiction set in East Asia, but I especially enjoy such books where a touch of mythology is inserted. I knew I was getting that from the title alone. I was not disappointed, devouring the story over a few days.
At age 11, Joey Zhang lost both her parents when they mysteriously drowned, leaving her sole remaining family member her older brother Sam. But when Sam also dies from drowning off the coast of Kauai, Joey must return home to Hawaii and adjust to the discovery of secrets Sam kept from her. One, he’d hidden his terminal cancer diagnosis. Two, there was more to their parents’ deaths that he’d kept from her. She must navigate this with old friends, particularly her brother’s best friend, Ethan, with whom she’d always been taken.
Most fascinating about this book is the shift between timelines as it goes between Joey and her mother’s story with flashbacks also to Joey’s memories from when her parents’ deaths occurred, with the biggest surprise related to a nanny whom Joey always loved and her brother had forbidden her to see.
This was a wonderful read, set against a particular historical backdrop about which I know little and need to learn more. My thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy. It gets five stars for its ending, as it leaves open details and isn’t perfect, but in that way is probably more close to life.
At age 11, Joey Zhang lost both her parents when they mysteriously drowned, leaving her sole remaining family member her older brother Sam. But when Sam also dies from drowning off the coast of Kauai, Joey must return home to Hawaii and adjust to the discovery of secrets Sam kept from her. One, he’d hidden his terminal cancer diagnosis. Two, there was more to their parents’ deaths that he’d kept from her. She must navigate this with old friends, particularly her brother’s best friend, Ethan, with whom she’d always been taken.
Most fascinating about this book is the shift between timelines as it goes between Joey and her mother’s story with flashbacks also to Joey’s memories from when her parents’ deaths occurred, with the biggest surprise related to a nanny whom Joey always loved and her brother had forbidden her to see.
This was a wonderful read, set against a particular historical backdrop about which I know little and need to learn more. My thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advance copy. It gets five stars for its ending, as it leaves open details and isn’t perfect, but in that way is probably more close to life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the ALC, Lake Union Publishing for the ARC, and NetGalley for providing the audiobook and ebook for review!
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This was a great immersion read. From the beginning, I was captivated by Joey's family and their history. The relationships were MESSY and heartbreaking. I loved Joey's character development, the Taiwanese history woven throughout, and the hopeful ending.
I didn't like how much Joey thought about Ethan romantically towards the beginning of the book. Since Sam's death was so fresh, it kind of pulled me out of the story to have her every second thought be about how much she was attracted to Ethan. I also thought the mother's diary entries didn't read much like diary entries. I really enjoyed those sections, but it read like a normal first person POV novel chapter to me.
The historical aspect of the novel was fantastic! I have visited Taiwan before, but before I went, I had no idea about the history there. If you're a fan of historical fiction, unearthing family secrets, and personal growth well into your adult years, you'll love Under the Ghost Moon.
Narration Review: Natalie Naudus is one of my favorite narrators, and she has nailed another great book. Her character voices are always distinct enough; I never have to worry about being confused about who is speaking. During every scene, Naudus perfectly captures the mood! Thank you for another great listen!
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This was a great immersion read. From the beginning, I was captivated by Joey's family and their history. The relationships were MESSY and heartbreaking. I loved Joey's character development, the Taiwanese history woven throughout, and the hopeful ending.
I didn't like how much Joey thought about Ethan romantically towards the beginning of the book. Since Sam's death was so fresh, it kind of pulled me out of the story to have her every second thought be about how much she was attracted to Ethan. I also thought the mother's diary entries didn't read much like diary entries. I really enjoyed those sections, but it read like a normal first person POV novel chapter to me.
The historical aspect of the novel was fantastic! I have visited Taiwan before, but before I went, I had no idea about the history there. If you're a fan of historical fiction, unearthing family secrets, and personal growth well into your adult years, you'll love Under the Ghost Moon.
Narration Review: Natalie Naudus is one of my favorite narrators, and she has nailed another great book. Her character voices are always distinct enough; I never have to worry about being confused about who is speaking. During every scene, Naudus perfectly captures the mood! Thank you for another great listen!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m usually a sucker for historical fiction and relationships, unfortunately I had a hard time getting behind Joey’s emotionally excruciating pain of losing her brother to suicide but then also being swept off her feet by her childhood crush. I think I just couldn’t make that leap right at the onset of this story. If either she and Ethan (her childhood crush) had met and started talking before her brother’s death and then he came to comfort her upon his death or 3-6 months after his death I think that would make sense to me. Otherwise, Lyn Liao Butler has a wonderful sense of storytelling and writing. Her writing is engaging and easy to read. I look forward to picking up another of her books in the future. I really think I just had a hard time coming to terms with the quick relationship and the devastation of her brother’s death and finding out all the family hidden skeletons that were kept from her. The second half of the book really picks up for me when Ethan is not in the picture and she meets her half brother for the first time and also her grandmother.
Thank you, Lyn Liao Butler and Lake Union Publishing for providing this e-ARC via NetGalley for review. I rated this novel a 3.5 but rounded up to 4.0 on sites that don't have half ratings.
Thank you, Lyn Liao Butler and Lake Union Publishing for providing this e-ARC via NetGalley for review. I rated this novel a 3.5 but rounded up to 4.0 on sites that don't have half ratings.
October 4, 2026
Under the Ghost Moon by Lyn Liao Butler is the story of several generations of one family and moves from martial law era Taiwan to modern day Kauai while taking the reader on an emotional journey of healing and reconciliation.
The book opens with Joey Zhang returning to Kauai following the death of her brother, and then follows her on her journey of discovery as she uncovers family secrets and tragedies and sets out to return to Taiwan to understand more about the parents who died tragically when she was just eleven years old.
I love a book that explores an area of the world or an episode in history that I am not familiar with and this one does both, with bonus points for incorporating elements of folklore in the form of The Old Man Under The Moon in a way that worked naturally for the story being told. This is a multigenerational story and so the topic of generational trauma is definitely a focus, and it is empathetically handled with a delicate touch. I did feel that the romance subplot was unnecessary and detracted from what should have been the main focus of the novel.
This was my first time reading anything from this author and I would certainly try another of their books.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
The book opens with Joey Zhang returning to Kauai following the death of her brother, and then follows her on her journey of discovery as she uncovers family secrets and tragedies and sets out to return to Taiwan to understand more about the parents who died tragically when she was just eleven years old.
I love a book that explores an area of the world or an episode in history that I am not familiar with and this one does both, with bonus points for incorporating elements of folklore in the form of The Old Man Under The Moon in a way that worked naturally for the story being told. This is a multigenerational story and so the topic of generational trauma is definitely a focus, and it is empathetically handled with a delicate touch. I did feel that the romance subplot was unnecessary and detracted from what should have been the main focus of the novel.
This was my first time reading anything from this author and I would certainly try another of their books.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5🌟
Generational trauma, family secrets, grief from loss, with a hint of historical fiction.
~♡ What I loved ♡~
This was such a captivating, well-written read. A multigenerational timeline of trauma, secrets, and dishonesty. If it wasn't for her brother leaving notes and videos, Joey would have never known her family even had secrets. I honestly can't decide if blissful ignorance is good or not. Just about everyone in her family has been dishonest, including her brother for waiting until after death to share their secrets.
Loved the tidbits of historical fiction and mythology. I definitely need to go and learn some more about the White Terror since it was new to me.
The audio was absolutely wonderful. The narrator did great at bringing these characters to life and telling their story. It was easy know who was currently sharing their story and easy at high speeds.
~♡ What I didn't love ♡~
The romance, I could have done without. Its not a huge part of the book, but it didn’t feel natural to me.
Thanks to Brilliance Publishing, Lyn Liao Butler, and NetGalley for sending for me an Alc to review.
Narrated by Natalie Naudus
Generational trauma, family secrets, grief from loss, with a hint of historical fiction.
~♡ What I loved ♡~
This was such a captivating, well-written read. A multigenerational timeline of trauma, secrets, and dishonesty. If it wasn't for her brother leaving notes and videos, Joey would have never known her family even had secrets. I honestly can't decide if blissful ignorance is good or not. Just about everyone in her family has been dishonest, including her brother for waiting until after death to share their secrets.
Loved the tidbits of historical fiction and mythology. I definitely need to go and learn some more about the White Terror since it was new to me.
The audio was absolutely wonderful. The narrator did great at bringing these characters to life and telling their story. It was easy know who was currently sharing their story and easy at high speeds.
~♡ What I didn't love ♡~
The romance, I could have done without. Its not a huge part of the book, but it didn’t feel natural to me.
Thanks to Brilliance Publishing, Lyn Liao Butler, and NetGalley for sending for me an Alc to review.
Narrated by Natalie Naudus
October 14, 2026
I thought this was going to be right up my street - a mix of contemporary and historical fiction, exploring the history of Taiwan through characters’ lived experiences. On paper this is my kind of thing. And I’m sad that it wasn’t. While it’s beautifully written, I didn’t get a feel of any of the characters and the main present day story was very predictable.
I also couldn’t get on board with the reason Joey was finding out all of these secrets at this point in her life — when her whole family was dead. I could not get on board with her older brother, her only surviving immediate family member, keeping his dying from her (while everyone else was seemingly aware) and making plans of how she should find out all of these devastating things - including his death! - after his passing. I can’t see any reason why someone who supposedly cared for her would make the decision to add additional grief to an already very sad situation. Honestly.
I think it bothered me so much it took any enjoyment I had of it away. And that’s a shame as I enjoyed the aspects of understanding more about Taiwanese history.
Thanks to the publisher and author for the advanced copy.
I also couldn’t get on board with the reason Joey was finding out all of these secrets at this point in her life — when her whole family was dead. I could not get on board with her older brother, her only surviving immediate family member, keeping his dying from her (while everyone else was seemingly aware) and making plans of how she should find out all of these devastating things - including his death! - after his passing. I can’t see any reason why someone who supposedly cared for her would make the decision to add additional grief to an already very sad situation. Honestly.
I think it bothered me so much it took any enjoyment I had of it away. And that’s a shame as I enjoyed the aspects of understanding more about Taiwanese history.
Thanks to the publisher and author for the advanced copy.
August 31, 2026
Lyn Liao Butler has been my favorite author this year. I devoured two of her books within days and then when I saw Under the Ghost Moon I immediately added it to my wishlist. When it came out I bought it instantly. Now having finished it I can confidently say - another excellent book by Lyn Liao Butler!!!
I liked basically everything about the book, I could kind of see the plot twist coming, specifically . I do wish there had been more related to Sam, I felt like we didn't get to know him very well and so I felt less connected to him through Joey.
Ethan's interest in Joey felt a little bit off to me, I would have liked if it took longer to develop, but I still thought it was sweet and liked that part of the book.
As always, this is a story that taught me something about Taiwan I didn't know, for which I appreciate it even more.
I liked basically everything about the book, I could kind of see the plot twist coming, specifically . I do wish there had been more related to Sam, I felt like we didn't get to know him very well and so I felt less connected to him through Joey.
Ethan's interest in Joey felt a little bit off to me, I would have liked if it took longer to develop, but I still thought it was sweet and liked that part of the book.
As always, this is a story that taught me something about Taiwan I didn't know, for which I appreciate it even more.
Did Not Finish
July 27, 2026Joey returns to Hawaii after her brother's death and discovers that he was hiding a lot of family secrets. Her mother's diary begins to reveal her life in Taiwan and their family's dangerous involvement in political movements.
This book sounded fascinating. I love a family saga, and I was very interested to learn more about Taiwanese history. But it just did not work for me. The writing was so laboured. It was all tell tell tell and never show. The contextual setting details were forced in to clunky exposition. The characters didn't feel true and their actions were clearly just there to create a plot, not the actions of real people. The dialogue was awkward.
The audio narrator sounded too old and formal for a young woman's voice, or maybe that was just the writing.
Other people seem to love it though, so hopefully it's just me!
Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to listen to the ALC.
This book sounded fascinating. I love a family saga, and I was very interested to learn more about Taiwanese history. But it just did not work for me. The writing was so laboured. It was all tell tell tell and never show. The contextual setting details were forced in to clunky exposition. The characters didn't feel true and their actions were clearly just there to create a plot, not the actions of real people. The dialogue was awkward.
The audio narrator sounded too old and formal for a young woman's voice, or maybe that was just the writing.
Other people seem to love it though, so hopefully it's just me!
Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to listen to the ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an ARC review copy.
The vivid descriptions allow you to fully immerse yourself in the story. It is truly taking you along on this journey. The beautiful writing does provide an almost Multisensory experience. The textures, foods, emotions really come to life. With that, the mood is amplified. I found it intricate, smart but also quite heavy and difficult to get into. It is probably my own lack of knowledge about Taiwanese politics or the experience of that culture. But also the human relationships lacked the balance or reprieve. It just felt heavy. I think the book describes the main character as being romantic and probably it was my fault or my perspective that I interpreted that romance as a gloomy melancholy. And that made ot hard for me to connect to her or her story. I felt it lacked hoped or i didn't grasp, probably ny fault, what her purpose in life was, what made her come alive.
The vivid descriptions allow you to fully immerse yourself in the story. It is truly taking you along on this journey. The beautiful writing does provide an almost Multisensory experience. The textures, foods, emotions really come to life. With that, the mood is amplified. I found it intricate, smart but also quite heavy and difficult to get into. It is probably my own lack of knowledge about Taiwanese politics or the experience of that culture. But also the human relationships lacked the balance or reprieve. It just felt heavy. I think the book describes the main character as being romantic and probably it was my fault or my perspective that I interpreted that romance as a gloomy melancholy. And that made ot hard for me to connect to her or her story. I felt it lacked hoped or i didn't grasp, probably ny fault, what her purpose in life was, what made her come alive.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My heart has been broken and my tears are still drying. This is the book that has broken me for 2026.
Joey's brother Sam has drown and she feels she has lost everything. She goes back to Kauai to learn secrets that Sam has kept from her to "protect her about her families past. Her brothers best friend Ethan is there to help guide her through this. But Ethan is something more than her brothers best friend and what is this going to mean for Joey? The plot is told in dual timelines and does a wonderful job of telling a rich history of plagued Taiwan history. Also it walks us through the beauty of Kauai! The characters are so thoroughly developed that you can not help, but fall in love with them (especially Wonton). I felt for Joey and Sam through out the book.
Thank you Lyn for writing this book and sharing it with your readers!!! And thank your for my ARc copy. All opinions remain my own.
Joey's brother Sam has drown and she feels she has lost everything. She goes back to Kauai to learn secrets that Sam has kept from her to "protect her about her families past. Her brothers best friend Ethan is there to help guide her through this. But Ethan is something more than her brothers best friend and what is this going to mean for Joey? The plot is told in dual timelines and does a wonderful job of telling a rich history of plagued Taiwan history. Also it walks us through the beauty of Kauai! The characters are so thoroughly developed that you can not help, but fall in love with them (especially Wonton). I felt for Joey and Sam through out the book.
Thank you Lyn for writing this book and sharing it with your readers!!! And thank your for my ARc copy. All opinions remain my own.
August 11, 2026
Warning: this book will make you cry 😭
When Joey Zhang’s brother suddenly drowns off the coast of Kauai, her life is thrown into upheaval.
Not only has she just lost the brother who raised her, but she’s also discovered that everything she knew about her parents, her life, is a lie. Left with her mother’s journal Joey must embark on a journey across time and continents to discover the tragic truth of her family. How they were shaped and destroyed over Taiwan’s fight for democracy.
I cried so much reading this book, this family, as I’m sure a lot of Taiwanese families at the time, went through so much. And yet, there is so much joy in simple moments, how even in the darkest of times, people find something to hold onto. How we will go to the ends of the earth for love.
Thank you to Lyn Liao Butler, Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I learned so much reading this novel, and had my heart shattered more than a few times.
When Joey Zhang’s brother suddenly drowns off the coast of Kauai, her life is thrown into upheaval.
Not only has she just lost the brother who raised her, but she’s also discovered that everything she knew about her parents, her life, is a lie. Left with her mother’s journal Joey must embark on a journey across time and continents to discover the tragic truth of her family. How they were shaped and destroyed over Taiwan’s fight for democracy.
I cried so much reading this book, this family, as I’m sure a lot of Taiwanese families at the time, went through so much. And yet, there is so much joy in simple moments, how even in the darkest of times, people find something to hold onto. How we will go to the ends of the earth for love.
Thank you to Lyn Liao Butler, Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I learned so much reading this novel, and had my heart shattered more than a few times.
September 11, 2026
Hope and love at the bottom of Pandora’s box
Under the Ghost Moon is a fine addition to the fascinating collection of books prolific and versatile author Lyn Liao Butler has been entertaining and educating us with in recent years. It’s a thoughtful novel, filled with ideas about the value of family and how admirable elements can be appreciated even in the saddest manifestations of personal weakness and apparent failure. Discovering betrayal in unexpected places, Joey must deal with the sudden death of her brother that leads to her discovery of the many flaws in what she thought was a perfect marriage of her long-departed parents. Her journey into her past ultimately takes her back to Taiwan, to hear first-hand accounts describing the human cost of Taiwan’s modern history. As a salve to all the pain, the tale offers us the uplifting truth that no matter how bleak things seem, you can always find solace in Taiwanese comfort food and the devotion of a sweet dog.
Under the Ghost Moon is a fine addition to the fascinating collection of books prolific and versatile author Lyn Liao Butler has been entertaining and educating us with in recent years. It’s a thoughtful novel, filled with ideas about the value of family and how admirable elements can be appreciated even in the saddest manifestations of personal weakness and apparent failure. Discovering betrayal in unexpected places, Joey must deal with the sudden death of her brother that leads to her discovery of the many flaws in what she thought was a perfect marriage of her long-departed parents. Her journey into her past ultimately takes her back to Taiwan, to hear first-hand accounts describing the human cost of Taiwan’s modern history. As a salve to all the pain, the tale offers us the uplifting truth that no matter how bleak things seem, you can always find solace in Taiwanese comfort food and the devotion of a sweet dog.
October 7, 2026
The main character of this novel, Joey, returns to Kauai when she hears her brother Sam has drowned. But she finds much more to contend with than just grief, as she also learns her brother had been keeping a lot of secrets from her - including her mother’s journals which shed light on her upbringing in Taiwan during the martial law era, and the truth about her marriage to Sam and Joey’s father. Plus, Joey comes face to face for the first time in year’s with her brother’s best friend Ethan, who she always had a crush on.
So there’s a lot going on in this book - a contemporary story and historical stories, family drama, and even romance - but it’s all woven together beautifully! The descriptions of the Hawaii setting were great, and I also learned so much about Taiwan. This was my first Lyn Liao Butler book but it definitely won’t be my last - I’m excited to catch up on her backlist now!
Thanks to Lake Union for my e-ARC (out now); all opinions are my own.
So there’s a lot going on in this book - a contemporary story and historical stories, family drama, and even romance - but it’s all woven together beautifully! The descriptions of the Hawaii setting were great, and I also learned so much about Taiwan. This was my first Lyn Liao Butler book but it definitely won’t be my last - I’m excited to catch up on her backlist now!
Thanks to Lake Union for my e-ARC (out now); all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews