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Moonborn: Book One of the Soulstar Saga
410 pages, Hardcover
Published February 2, 2026
9 people want to read
About the author
Annaïa Rowan
2 books48 followersAnnaïa Rowan is a fantasy romance author who creates epic adventures in the new adult genre.
Annaïa holds a Msc in business and marketing, but after seven years of business studies and a short career in banking, she decided to follow her passion and create a slower life with more time to read, write, create and and cherish moments with her little ones.
When she's not weaving stories, Annaïa is also a yoga teacher, and has been teaching yoga and leading circles, workshops and retreats for over a decade. She has a strong passion for astrology, witchcraft, and spiritual and emotional energy healing, and in addition to being certified with over 1000 hours within yoga, she holds degrees from The Four Winds (Andean shamanism), Sacred Mist (Wicca) and OBOD (Druidry).
Annaïa's writing is influenced by two distinct traditions: the epic fantasy mastery of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, whose complex world-building and magic systems inspire her own fantastical realms, and the romantic fantasy brilliance of Carissa Broadbents and Callie Hart, who craft unforgettable love stories within high-stakes magical adventures. This combination of intricate world-building and epic romance defines the Moonborn series.
Annaïa holds a Msc in business and marketing, but after seven years of business studies and a short career in banking, she decided to follow her passion and create a slower life with more time to read, write, create and and cherish moments with her little ones.
When she's not weaving stories, Annaïa is also a yoga teacher, and has been teaching yoga and leading circles, workshops and retreats for over a decade. She has a strong passion for astrology, witchcraft, and spiritual and emotional energy healing, and in addition to being certified with over 1000 hours within yoga, she holds degrees from The Four Winds (Andean shamanism), Sacred Mist (Wicca) and OBOD (Druidry).
Annaïa's writing is influenced by two distinct traditions: the epic fantasy mastery of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, whose complex world-building and magic systems inspire her own fantastical realms, and the romantic fantasy brilliance of Carissa Broadbents and Callie Hart, who craft unforgettable love stories within high-stakes magical adventures. This combination of intricate world-building and epic romance defines the Moonborn series.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 11, 2026
Laïna lives in Bronich, a dreary town, where she lives as property. She is unable to do much outside of her master's control, but she does hope to buy her freedom. The only way for her to earn any money, though, is to find secrets and sell them. She is out one night when she witnesses a grisly murder committed by the minister ruling over Bronich.
Laïna, the very next day, looks to sell her information. She goes to her blacksmith friend she normally sells information to. He agrees to buy her information, ensuring that it is enough for her freedom, but he insists that they must then flee Bronich. What Laïna witnessed, is very dangerous and she will never be able to live safely, even once she is free. She is hesitant to leave the only city she has ever known. Her decision is made for her when she is captured by the minister himself. She is barely rescued in time by her blacksmith friend and they immediately flee Bronich through the forbidden mountain pass and into a world full of magic.
I really liked this book. The world and the magic are so unique. I had a lot of theories while reading and I was happy to see some of them be correct! The found family Laïna discovers during her journey felt very healing to me, just like they were for Laïna. I am really looking forwarjd to the next book to see how the story continues.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and author Annaïa Rowan for the gifted eARC.
Laïna, the very next day, looks to sell her information. She goes to her blacksmith friend she normally sells information to. He agrees to buy her information, ensuring that it is enough for her freedom, but he insists that they must then flee Bronich. What Laïna witnessed, is very dangerous and she will never be able to live safely, even once she is free. She is hesitant to leave the only city she has ever known. Her decision is made for her when she is captured by the minister himself. She is barely rescued in time by her blacksmith friend and they immediately flee Bronich through the forbidden mountain pass and into a world full of magic.
I really liked this book. The world and the magic are so unique. I had a lot of theories while reading and I was happy to see some of them be correct! The found family Laïna discovers during her journey felt very healing to me, just like they were for Laïna. I am really looking forwarjd to the next book to see how the story continues.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and author Annaïa Rowan for the gifted eARC.
February 6, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Moonborn is a hauntingly beautiful start to the Soulstar Saga. From the very first page, Annaïa Rowan pulls you into the suffocating atmosphere of Bronich, making you feel every bit of Laïna’s desperation and invisibility. Watching her transition from "property" to a woman reclaiming her own agency in the world of Reā was incredibly cathartic.
The emotional core of this book is the connections Laïna builds. The themes of trauma and healing are handled with such grace and realism.
The concept of tethered souls and dreams that aren't your own is fascinating. It adds a layer of mystery and psychological depth that kept me guessing.
It’s high-stakes, "stolen souls" energy that feels earned and intense.
The world-building is lush and immersive, though the middle slows down just enough to make you ache for answers. However, once the momentum picks up, it doesn’t stop. And fair warning: that cliffhanger is absolutely brutal. It left me staring at the wall, needing Book Two immediately.
Moonborn is a hauntingly beautiful start to the Soulstar Saga. From the very first page, Annaïa Rowan pulls you into the suffocating atmosphere of Bronich, making you feel every bit of Laïna’s desperation and invisibility. Watching her transition from "property" to a woman reclaiming her own agency in the world of Reā was incredibly cathartic.
The emotional core of this book is the connections Laïna builds. The themes of trauma and healing are handled with such grace and realism.
The concept of tethered souls and dreams that aren't your own is fascinating. It adds a layer of mystery and psychological depth that kept me guessing.
It’s high-stakes, "stolen souls" energy that feels earned and intense.
The world-building is lush and immersive, though the middle slows down just enough to make you ache for answers. However, once the momentum picks up, it doesn’t stop. And fair warning: that cliffhanger is absolutely brutal. It left me staring at the wall, needing Book Two immediately.
February 7, 2026
This book caught me by surprise. I loved it far more than I expected to. Our FMC, Laina, is an amazing character. The story was so well written and addressed some sensitive topics in a way that felt authentic and real.
This mysterious and almost mythical aspects of the dreams really intrigued me. This felt like such a refreshing take on romantasy. I always love a good fated mates story.
What I dont like is a cliffhanger that leaves me in a choke hold while clinging to the wall and begging for more. Thats when you know a story is good. I cant wait to read more from this author.
This mysterious and almost mythical aspects of the dreams really intrigued me. This felt like such a refreshing take on romantasy. I always love a good fated mates story.
What I dont like is a cliffhanger that leaves me in a choke hold while clinging to the wall and begging for more. Thats when you know a story is good. I cant wait to read more from this author.
February 10, 2026
Moonborn was so freaking good! Laina has so many things thrown at her over and over and she still manages to come out on top like a bad ass!
Theres Fated Mates, Slow Burn, Found Family, magic and an EPIC Love Story.
Laina is a slave for most of her life until she is given the opportunity to run away. Then she meets Astēr a mysterious man who helps Laina throughout her journey.
This fantasy world is everything and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Thank you @thenerdfam for the ARC!
#moonborn #thenerdfam
Theres Fated Mates, Slow Burn, Found Family, magic and an EPIC Love Story.
Laina is a slave for most of her life until she is given the opportunity to run away. Then she meets Astēr a mysterious man who helps Laina throughout her journey.
This fantasy world is everything and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Thank you @thenerdfam for the ARC!
#moonborn #thenerdfam
February 18, 2026
When an unproblematic FMC, Laina- enslaved her whole life, takes a chance and runs from her oppressive village with an older, And locally respected friend- she embarks on a journey of self discovery. She meets characters along the way that will challenge her and ones that become family. I loved the banter, the fragility of each character and the sloww burn. This book is definitely a build up to something huge- and I can't wait until I can get my hands on the next book.
February 16, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted ebook
When a book has me gasping and jumping up on page 12 you know its got you!!
I loved the world building the character development and plot
The found family elements were a great touch and I was pretty sad when it ended! This book had stayed in my head for days, I cannot wait to continue the story!
When a book has me gasping and jumping up on page 12 you know its got you!!
I loved the world building the character development and plot
The found family elements were a great touch and I was pretty sad when it ended! This book had stayed in my head for days, I cannot wait to continue the story!
February 9, 2026
I loved this story!!
The FMC has a world of shit thrown at her over and over again, and she keeps on fighting!! Her character was amazing. The ending of this was mind blowing for me.... I need more!!!!
Highly recommend!!
The FMC has a world of shit thrown at her over and over again, and she keeps on fighting!! Her character was amazing. The ending of this was mind blowing for me.... I need more!!!!
Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews