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Moonlit
Not yet published
Expected 12 Mar 26Penelope Sinclair returns home, but it is not the homecoming she expected.
The wards are broken. The Council is waiting. And the moment her magic stirs, everyone in the room goes still like they have been fearing this for years.
They call her marked.
They call her dangerous.
They assign a fox Guardian to her side and expect her to obey.
Penelope has never been good at obedience.
Especially not when no one will tell her what went wrong, what woke inside her, or why the world suddenly seems to be holding its breath.
Something is working behind the scenes.
And it already knows her name.
The wards are broken. The Council is waiting. And the moment her magic stirs, everyone in the room goes still like they have been fearing this for years.
They call her marked.
They call her dangerous.
They assign a fox Guardian to her side and expect her to obey.
Penelope has never been good at obedience.
Especially not when no one will tell her what went wrong, what woke inside her, or why the world suddenly seems to be holding its breath.
Something is working behind the scenes.
And it already knows her name.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 12, 2026
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC reader.
This is a beautiful story of magic, mystery and devotion!
The story develops well with great description that leaves just enough for the imagination to create the finer details!
My absolute favourite character is Lysandra! She will definitely stick with me in life when I dont have the guts to say what I feel I will think them in her voice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The only reason it is 4 not 5 stars is the length could have possibly been cut down slightly.
This is a beautiful story of magic, mystery and devotion!
The story develops well with great description that leaves just enough for the imagination to create the finer details!
My absolute favourite character is Lysandra! She will definitely stick with me in life when I dont have the guts to say what I feel I will think them in her voice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The only reason it is 4 not 5 stars is the length could have possibly been cut down slightly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so good for a debut novel! I was entranced from the very first page and loved every second of it. It did get a little slow in some places, but the characters and the plot brought me right back into the story.
Mingxi was to die for and Poppy was just adorable. I won't spoil it, but there are some of the best sister characters ive read in this one! Absolutely great character lines and writing was well done.
I would say my favorite aspect was the elements of Chinese mythology, language, and culture. I really enjoyed seeing something that we don't typically see in popular books and I hope more people will do things like this! A great first novel and I'm excited to read more!!
Mingxi was to die for and Poppy was just adorable. I won't spoil it, but there are some of the best sister characters ive read in this one! Absolutely great character lines and writing was well done.
I would say my favorite aspect was the elements of Chinese mythology, language, and culture. I really enjoyed seeing something that we don't typically see in popular books and I hope more people will do things like this! A great first novel and I'm excited to read more!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Coming in at over 500 pages, this one looked intimidating at first but the short chapters made it way too easy to keep saying “just one more” and suddenly be ten chapters deep.
This isn’t super spicy it’s much more about tension, longing, and emotional buildup. And the slow burn is slow burning 🔥 which worked really well for me.
I loved that the MMC is protective without being overbearing (rare), and the FMC actually gets to make her own choices which we love to see. The world-building is heavier at the start, but that’s pretty typical for fantasy, especially in an ongoing series.
Overall, a solid romantasy with fated mates and found family vibes. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
Coming in at over 500 pages, this one looked intimidating at first but the short chapters made it way too easy to keep saying “just one more” and suddenly be ten chapters deep.
This isn’t super spicy it’s much more about tension, longing, and emotional buildup. And the slow burn is slow burning 🔥 which worked really well for me.
I loved that the MMC is protective without being overbearing (rare), and the FMC actually gets to make her own choices which we love to see. The world-building is heavier at the start, but that’s pretty typical for fantasy, especially in an ongoing series.
Overall, a solid romantasy with fated mates and found family vibes. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Poppy has never known what it means to be loved. To be part of a family who supports and cares for one another. That is until she meets a fox guardian named Mingxi who shows her what it means to belong, to be nurtured, and to be allowed to thrive. Armed with the burdens they bear, together learn to navigate through grief, and form an unbreakable bond. Moonlit is a beautiful story enriched in Chinese culture that will have you laughing, crying, even at times asking oneself "what did I just read?". Be enthralled amongst complete chaos. You'll love it.
March 7, 2026
3.5 starts
This book is quite intriguing at first and I really enjoy books with reanimation aspect almost horror element feel to it. However I wish there would have been more as the start of this book started so strong!
I definitely see where there have been parts grabbed from other fantasy books that I have read, but the author definitely did a good job to make it their own in this world which I appreciate.
There are definitely some unique elements with Mingxi and his tails. I really enjoyed this character and his strong but safe presence.
Minghua’s character was super bright and refreshing. The book starts off really dark, eerie and powerful, and when we are introduced to her character she is a bright little light that bumbles around like a “overexcited ferry” I really adore her.
I really did not like Lysandra’s dialogue I feel like it was trying too hard to be modern and it just kept throwing me out of the book completely
It was a bit slow in some spots for me, which made it a little harder to get through some chapters but with beautifully described scenes of this world it kept me moving through. I really did like the Chinese element to this read and just gave it a unique energy.
I would’ve given this a higher rating had some of those chapters just not been so slow and repetitive, as well as feeling like some characters near the end were an afterthought
Overall pleasantly surprised as I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m super grateful I got the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
This book is quite intriguing at first and I really enjoy books with reanimation aspect almost horror element feel to it. However I wish there would have been more as the start of this book started so strong!
I definitely see where there have been parts grabbed from other fantasy books that I have read, but the author definitely did a good job to make it their own in this world which I appreciate.
There are definitely some unique elements with Mingxi and his tails. I really enjoyed this character and his strong but safe presence.
Minghua’s character was super bright and refreshing. The book starts off really dark, eerie and powerful, and when we are introduced to her character she is a bright little light that bumbles around like a “overexcited ferry” I really adore her.
I really did not like Lysandra’s dialogue I feel like it was trying too hard to be modern and it just kept throwing me out of the book completely
It was a bit slow in some spots for me, which made it a little harder to get through some chapters but with beautifully described scenes of this world it kept me moving through. I really did like the Chinese element to this read and just gave it a unique energy.
I would’ve given this a higher rating had some of those chapters just not been so slow and repetitive, as well as feeling like some characters near the end were an afterthought
Overall pleasantly surprised as I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m super grateful I got the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
March 7, 2026
I really loved the setting and atmosphere of this book. The elements of Chinese folklore and culture were woven together to create such immersive imagery for the story. I really liked Poppy and her quiet strength. Mingxi was so sweet in his devotion to her. His family was so cute and I loved watching Poppy become a part of them. I wish there was a little more to the world building, and there were a few things that were repeated/overused a lot like “It wasn’t _______. It was ______.” or “It felt like something _____. Something _____. Something _______.” Other than that, I thought it was a lovely and compelling story of hope, grief, and growth. I’m looking forward to reading more from this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really good debut novel! I very much enjoyed this book, thank you to the author for the arc copy.
Definitely not like the typical romantasy I have read before. But in a good way!
Definitely not like the typical romantasy I have read before. But in a good way!
March 4, 2026
Moonlit by N. Shenski is the kind of book that lingers like moonlight on still water—quiet, luminous, and impossible to shake.
From the very first pages, N. Shenski’s prose captivated me completely. Her writing is exquisite: lyrical without ever feeling overwrought, every sentence crafted with a poet’s precision and a storyteller’s grace. It flows like silk, drawing you deeper into a world that feels both intimately personal and vast with ancient magic. I found myself rereading passages just to savor the beauty of the language.
The characters are where this story truly shines. Penelope’s journey is raw and real—her defiance, her vulnerability, her quiet strength pulled me in and refused to let go. The fox Guardian assigned to her is layered and magnetic, their slow-burn connection built on choice, trust, and something achingly fated yet never forced. Every interaction feels earned, every emotional shift authentic. The supporting cast, too, grows into people you care about deeply, their bonds forming the kind of found family that warms even the coldest corners of the heart.
What surprised and enchanted me most were the rich Chinese elements woven throughout—the mythic guardians, the elegant threads of folklore, the subtle cultural resonance in rituals, symbolism, and atmosphere. They’re handled with such reverence and artistry that they elevate the entire romantasy into something truly special, a tapestry of East-meets-fantasy that feels fresh and deeply respectful.
And then there’s the grief. Oh, the grief. It’s not loud or melodramatic; it’s the quiet, bone-deep kind that sneaks up and cracks you open. N. Shenski doesn’t shy away from loss—it sits heavy in the story, coloring every choice, every tender moment. It got me right in the feels, leaving me teary-eyed and breathless more than once. Yet somehow, amid the sorrow, there’s resilience, hope, and a fierce devotion that makes the heartache beautiful rather than bleak.
This debut is stunning—a slow-burn romantasy with heart, magic, protective energy, and emotional depth that will stay with you long after the final page. If you love stories that blend gorgeous writing, meaningful cultural inspiration, profound character growth, and grief that feels painfully true, Moonlit is an absolute must-read.
6✨ I’m already counting down to the next in The Ashen Court Chronicles.
From the very first pages, N. Shenski’s prose captivated me completely. Her writing is exquisite: lyrical without ever feeling overwrought, every sentence crafted with a poet’s precision and a storyteller’s grace. It flows like silk, drawing you deeper into a world that feels both intimately personal and vast with ancient magic. I found myself rereading passages just to savor the beauty of the language.
The characters are where this story truly shines. Penelope’s journey is raw and real—her defiance, her vulnerability, her quiet strength pulled me in and refused to let go. The fox Guardian assigned to her is layered and magnetic, their slow-burn connection built on choice, trust, and something achingly fated yet never forced. Every interaction feels earned, every emotional shift authentic. The supporting cast, too, grows into people you care about deeply, their bonds forming the kind of found family that warms even the coldest corners of the heart.
What surprised and enchanted me most were the rich Chinese elements woven throughout—the mythic guardians, the elegant threads of folklore, the subtle cultural resonance in rituals, symbolism, and atmosphere. They’re handled with such reverence and artistry that they elevate the entire romantasy into something truly special, a tapestry of East-meets-fantasy that feels fresh and deeply respectful.
And then there’s the grief. Oh, the grief. It’s not loud or melodramatic; it’s the quiet, bone-deep kind that sneaks up and cracks you open. N. Shenski doesn’t shy away from loss—it sits heavy in the story, coloring every choice, every tender moment. It got me right in the feels, leaving me teary-eyed and breathless more than once. Yet somehow, amid the sorrow, there’s resilience, hope, and a fierce devotion that makes the heartache beautiful rather than bleak.
This debut is stunning—a slow-burn romantasy with heart, magic, protective energy, and emotional depth that will stay with you long after the final page. If you love stories that blend gorgeous writing, meaningful cultural inspiration, profound character growth, and grief that feels painfully true, Moonlit is an absolute must-read.
6✨ I’m already counting down to the next in The Ashen Court Chronicles.
February 25, 2026
I was lucky to read this as an ARC.. the story itself is one of the most unique stories I have read and completely different and not what I was expecting.
The FMC Poppy is a girl that has been completely depraved on any love and affection apart from her sister who she lost and she has been sent away. So the reintroduction to her she came across very cold and hard… but she has a power that we don’t yet understand in the first part. The MMC Mingxi is very unique species.. he is foxborn which has not been in any of my books before. He is sweet and caring and they have a very wholesome build up for there romance which is believable but also very very sweet.
The story itself while being unique I will say is very slow at times, it’s quite quick in the first couple of chapters and then starts settling as we build up the world and explore her powers and also the characters. We also spend time with Mingxi family and the whole cultural aspect and family dynamics very interesting and watching the bonds grow between them all is really nice to read about. Best sisters too they were hilarious.
The ending was very interesting and left me with more questions which I’m sure will be answered in the next book.
As a whole this book is great it focuses on the characters, the building of the world and very unique powers but I will say it is more slower in the action department than others I have read. But the theme is something else very clever and very unique, great start to the series
The FMC Poppy is a girl that has been completely depraved on any love and affection apart from her sister who she lost and she has been sent away. So the reintroduction to her she came across very cold and hard… but she has a power that we don’t yet understand in the first part. The MMC Mingxi is very unique species.. he is foxborn which has not been in any of my books before. He is sweet and caring and they have a very wholesome build up for there romance which is believable but also very very sweet.
The story itself while being unique I will say is very slow at times, it’s quite quick in the first couple of chapters and then starts settling as we build up the world and explore her powers and also the characters. We also spend time with Mingxi family and the whole cultural aspect and family dynamics very interesting and watching the bonds grow between them all is really nice to read about. Best sisters too they were hilarious.
The ending was very interesting and left me with more questions which I’m sure will be answered in the next book.
As a whole this book is great it focuses on the characters, the building of the world and very unique powers but I will say it is more slower in the action department than others I have read. But the theme is something else very clever and very unique, great start to the series
February 25, 2026
Thank you N. Shenski for providing this eARC in return for my honest review.
This is my very first ARC and I had a great time! Poppy has been on her own for 19 years and has learned to rely only on herself when suddenly her power awakens and she's in danger. Enter Mingxi, a fox-spirit guardian entrusted to keep her safe, and takes protectiveness to a whole other level. The relationships between them, and then with his family are truly what made me love this book. I am always a sucker for found family and this was written perfectly. One thing that did hold me up a bit was some of the plot points/pacing. The first 20% I was fairly confused as to what was happening but after that, it became much clearer. I do wish we were able to get more information regarding the fox shifters/spirits from the very beginning because it was such an integral part of the story. Lastly, I loved the Chinese history/culture aspect and thought it was done very well. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and again, thank you to N. Shenski for granting this ARC!
This is my very first ARC and I had a great time! Poppy has been on her own for 19 years and has learned to rely only on herself when suddenly her power awakens and she's in danger. Enter Mingxi, a fox-spirit guardian entrusted to keep her safe, and takes protectiveness to a whole other level. The relationships between them, and then with his family are truly what made me love this book. I am always a sucker for found family and this was written perfectly. One thing that did hold me up a bit was some of the plot points/pacing. The first 20% I was fairly confused as to what was happening but after that, it became much clearer. I do wish we were able to get more information regarding the fox shifters/spirits from the very beginning because it was such an integral part of the story. Lastly, I loved the Chinese history/culture aspect and thought it was done very well. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and again, thank you to N. Shenski for granting this ARC!
February 27, 2026
This is my first time reading an ARC and I would like to start saying thank you to N.Shenski for sharing her work. This is a very unique story with rich world building and a lot of information about the Chinese culture. Very interesting, slow burn, found family type of story. Additionally it has so much respect and honor is shown as we read the book. I was somehow confused at times during the world building, because there was a lot of information and I got a bit confused but as the kept reading I started to understand better. But most of all, this book is about loyalty, hope and family. The way the MMC protects the FMC is beautiful.
“For the first time since they met, since the moonwell, since the fear beneath the valley—everything was calm.”
This sentence made my heart full, it’s lovely how much we should just look for this, the calmness of life.
“For the first time since they met, since the moonwell, since the fear beneath the valley—everything was calm.”
This sentence made my heart full, it’s lovely how much we should just look for this, the calmness of life.
March 6, 2026
Intelligent, old world charm mixed into a magical story that feels like an 1800s haunted house shrouded in mist mixed with elements of Doctor Strange. The author takes you on an adventure through beautiful sparkling oriental mountains and charming kitsunae lore. (And other places!)
Come meet Lady Penelope Sinclair, the last of her family line (or is she?) and Counsellor Shen Mingxi in a story rich with secrets, mystery, magic, and a blossoming love story. You will encounter battles, tender moments, and thoughtful prose.
In this book, you will find a departure from the ‘formula’ approach currently commonly found in Romatasy, with a kind MMC and supporting characters. You will find a blend of intrigue, menacing dark forces, respectful relationships and gentle interactions juxtaposed against a bitter magical world. Definitely worth picking up as a fresh take in a magical world.
Come meet Lady Penelope Sinclair, the last of her family line (or is she?) and Counsellor Shen Mingxi in a story rich with secrets, mystery, magic, and a blossoming love story. You will encounter battles, tender moments, and thoughtful prose.
In this book, you will find a departure from the ‘formula’ approach currently commonly found in Romatasy, with a kind MMC and supporting characters. You will find a blend of intrigue, menacing dark forces, respectful relationships and gentle interactions juxtaposed against a bitter magical world. Definitely worth picking up as a fresh take in a magical world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Moonlit is a beautifully written and undeniably unique story. There’s a softness to the writing that pulls you into the world and lingers after you’ve finished.
This is very much a slow burn. The pacing takes its time, allowing the characters and emotions to unfold gradually. If you enjoy immersive, character-driven stories, you’ll likely appreciate the steady build. However, at times the writing feels a little repetitive, with certain emotions and themes revisited more often than necessary, which slightly slowed the momentum for me.
Overall, I’d give Moonlit 3.5 stars. It’s distinctive and thoughtfully crafted, and while it didn’t completely captivate me throughout, the beauty of the writing and its uniqueness definitely make it worth the read.
This is very much a slow burn. The pacing takes its time, allowing the characters and emotions to unfold gradually. If you enjoy immersive, character-driven stories, you’ll likely appreciate the steady build. However, at times the writing feels a little repetitive, with certain emotions and themes revisited more often than necessary, which slightly slowed the momentum for me.
Overall, I’d give Moonlit 3.5 stars. It’s distinctive and thoughtfully crafted, and while it didn’t completely captivate me throughout, the beauty of the writing and its uniqueness definitely make it worth the read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing a free, early copy of the book for review.
The story is interesting with a unique vibe. I would describe it as somewhere between Bridgerton and City of Bones.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their world.
I felt like the descriptions were long winded. Part of it can be attributed to the style of the period, but too much drags down the pacing. By page 100, we should be firmly in the story. Not every finger twitch needs to explain that a character is feeling not stressed but alert, on edge, waiting.
If you enjoy sweeping dramatic prose that describes every magical detail, then here is 500+ pages you will love.
The story is interesting with a unique vibe. I would describe it as somewhere between Bridgerton and City of Bones.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their world.
I felt like the descriptions were long winded. Part of it can be attributed to the style of the period, but too much drags down the pacing. By page 100, we should be firmly in the story. Not every finger twitch needs to explain that a character is feeling not stressed but alert, on edge, waiting.
If you enjoy sweeping dramatic prose that describes every magical detail, then here is 500+ pages you will love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Think of this like a fantasy adventure to find lost family and discover found family alongside a slow burn romance and a unique magic system.
The foxy MMC is FMC's bodyguard, but even for the role he is very very protective despite the fact she is already very strong and independent. However this isn't in a negative way. I'm very much in love with the characters!!
I was in love with this book from the very first moment I started it despite being very new to fantasy!! I'm so sad it is over 😭 I would definitely recommend this debut novel and can't wait for the next one 😍😍
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The foxy MMC is FMC's bodyguard, but even for the role he is very very protective despite the fact she is already very strong and independent. However this isn't in a negative way. I'm very much in love with the characters!!
I was in love with this book from the very first moment I started it despite being very new to fantasy!! I'm so sad it is over 😭 I would definitely recommend this debut novel and can't wait for the next one 😍😍
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy from Author
Thank you so much for the ARC - I really enjoyed the moon magic and the fox spirits, I also really enjoyed the Chinese themes throughout the story. There were a few hang ups for me, there were times that I wished for more world building and there was some times I was a little confused. I am a sucker for the name Penelope (Poppy) and it was the first time I have encountered it in the wild haha..
I think the author put her whole heart into this book and I know she is going to continue to do wonderful things.
Thank you so much for the ARC - I really enjoyed the moon magic and the fox spirits, I also really enjoyed the Chinese themes throughout the story. There were a few hang ups for me, there were times that I wished for more world building and there was some times I was a little confused. I am a sucker for the name Penelope (Poppy) and it was the first time I have encountered it in the wild haha..
I think the author put her whole heart into this book and I know she is going to continue to do wonderful things.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved Moonlit. It was an honor being one of the first people that got to read the debut Novel.
Her writing is so magical, and the way she weaves in the different cultures had me hooked from the first chapter. Mingxi and Poppy...the character development was amazing to witness.
Their slow burn dynamic is soft, intense, and full of that perfect tension that keeps you turning pages.
I can't wait for more!
Her writing is so magical, and the way she weaves in the different cultures had me hooked from the first chapter. Mingxi and Poppy...the character development was amazing to witness.
Their slow burn dynamic is soft, intense, and full of that perfect tension that keeps you turning pages.
I can't wait for more!
February 27, 2026
4.25 Stars
Never would have thought I would be into fox shifters but I now love Mingxi!!! Ughhh he's perfect. Poppy is brave and strong and she grows so well throughout the story. There are splashes of Chinese culture throughout which I absolutely loved. Overall, the story was beautifully written with easy to understand yet wonderful world building. A unique magic system with interesting characters. A journey both in finding one's self and in love. It had a bit of everything!
Never would have thought I would be into fox shifters but I now love Mingxi!!! Ughhh he's perfect. Poppy is brave and strong and she grows so well throughout the story. There are splashes of Chinese culture throughout which I absolutely loved. Overall, the story was beautifully written with easy to understand yet wonderful world building. A unique magic system with interesting characters. A journey both in finding one's self and in love. It had a bit of everything!
February 28, 2026
I was so excited to be an arc reader for this book! The book jumps right in I really liked the action & the character growth through the book. I do wish there were more descriptions. It just kind of jumps scene to scene at moments. I had trouble picturing the world and the people in the book.
I enjoyed the characters they genuinely made me smile!
I enjoyed the characters they genuinely made me smile!
March 3, 2026
What a beautiful debut!!
This book was written so elegantly and the story was so wholesome and warming!! I loved the developments between Poppy and Mingxi, but the two sisters were the stars of the show for me! Their confidence, humor and energy was so fun!!
A different approach to romantasy compared to others I have read in the genre which makes it so unique!
This book was written so elegantly and the story was so wholesome and warming!! I loved the developments between Poppy and Mingxi, but the two sisters were the stars of the show for me! Their confidence, humor and energy was so fun!!
A different approach to romantasy compared to others I have read in the genre which makes it so unique!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really good debut novel! Thank you N. Shenski for providing this eARC. I fall for the cover first and the story is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 !! It was an honor being one of the first people that got to read the debut Novel. Book release March 20, 2026. I can’t put it down!!!
Really good debut novel! Thank you N. Shenski for providing this eARC. I fall for the cover first and the story is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 !! It was an honor being one of the first people that got to read the debut Novel. Book release March 20, 2026. I can’t put it down!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a good story. Well written, although it could have been a little shorter. I love the use of moon magic and fox spirits, definitely something I haven't seen before. Loved the Chinese themes throughout
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shenski brings a certain prose to her descriptions; thorough, detailed minutiae bring clarity to interactions, surroundings, and culture without being overly flowery. The world building and character development engrossed me and I can't wait to read more! I love the slow burn between Poppy and Mingxi, and other characters are developed well enough that I look forward to learning more about them in future books. The lore in Moonlit feels familiar, yet leaves you wanting more as you connect to the characters. Fantastic first book. (My only "complaint" is some phrases are fairly repetitive throughout the book.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was very excited to get to do an ARC for this book based on the details the author has been sharing. The story delivers on interesting world building, use of historical and varied cultural settings, and a fun fantasy experience in a market that is over saturated in tired tropes and weak storytelling. I’d give the first half of the book 4 stars for the enrichment of characters and the compelling narrative that drew me in quickly and made me want to read more. Poppy’s strength and spine make her a powerful and dynamic lead as she discovers her true strength with an unshakable Mingxi at her side.
The second half of the book unfortunately started to lose the same polish and development of the earlier chapters. Typos and inconsistencies started to crop up more, and most were minor until the years between events began to change between 12 and 19, drastically changing Poppy’s perceived age. There were also several extremely repetitive scenes involving Mingxi and his family, with some dialogue being repeated to the point I thought I’d accidentally reread a previous page. Some characters in the Shen family started to become cartoonish in certain light moments, especially Minghua. Most of this could have been tightened up or cut out with a good editor. However, I really liked how the fox world was built and described, it felt well researched, lived in, and breathtaking.
The romance was also labeled as a slow-burn, but the progression of Poppy and Mingxi’s relationship escalated very quickly after a certain point and also became a bit repetitive and predictable. I did enjoy how these two learned to love and care for one another, and it was wonderful to see an Asian male love interest with unique history and magic of his own.
There were two moments that almost made me DNF this story. The first being the reintroduction of Lysandra. It was extremely jarring and took me out of the scene completely with her dialogue and continued erratic, overly modern language/behavior. The second was the undisclosed unexpected pregnancy trope that took over the last 20% of the story. I would have liked the main couple to have had more time to be a couple instead of introducing a “plot relevant” baby in the few days/weeks they’ve been officially together after a rushed wedding.
All in all, it was a fun and fantastical story that I could feel the author’s love across the pages for her characters and the world she’s made. I would recommend this work to someone who enjoys omniscient POVs / direct insight into the thoughts and feelings of all the characters, and for anyone looking to enjoy the adorable moments of two characters learning to love one another despite the impending darkness, and the embarrassment of family members around them.
The second half of the book unfortunately started to lose the same polish and development of the earlier chapters. Typos and inconsistencies started to crop up more, and most were minor until the years between events began to change between 12 and 19, drastically changing Poppy’s perceived age. There were also several extremely repetitive scenes involving Mingxi and his family, with some dialogue being repeated to the point I thought I’d accidentally reread a previous page. Some characters in the Shen family started to become cartoonish in certain light moments, especially Minghua. Most of this could have been tightened up or cut out with a good editor. However, I really liked how the fox world was built and described, it felt well researched, lived in, and breathtaking.
The romance was also labeled as a slow-burn, but the progression of Poppy and Mingxi’s relationship escalated very quickly after a certain point and also became a bit repetitive and predictable. I did enjoy how these two learned to love and care for one another, and it was wonderful to see an Asian male love interest with unique history and magic of his own.
There were two moments that almost made me DNF this story. The first being the reintroduction of Lysandra. It was extremely jarring and took me out of the scene completely with her dialogue and continued erratic, overly modern language/behavior. The second was the undisclosed unexpected pregnancy trope that took over the last 20% of the story. I would have liked the main couple to have had more time to be a couple instead of introducing a “plot relevant” baby in the few days/weeks they’ve been officially together after a rushed wedding.
All in all, it was a fun and fantastical story that I could feel the author’s love across the pages for her characters and the world she’s made. I would recommend this work to someone who enjoys omniscient POVs / direct insight into the thoughts and feelings of all the characters, and for anyone looking to enjoy the adorable moments of two characters learning to love one another despite the impending darkness, and the embarrassment of family members around them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you so much for an early copy of this book, I am very grateful🫶
I loved the storyline of this book, the thought behind it and how the characters developed. I enjoyed that it was easy to visualise what was happening and the different languages used. It made it unique in the best way.
I loved the development of Poppy and Mingxi, the way they grew together as a pair. I loved the world they lived in and how close the family were.
The first half of the book was more romance than fantasy, which is fine. I felt like I was reading and waiting for something magical to happen (which it did by the end, I enjoyed the battle scenes and how they were written).
Some parts of the writing and Lysandra’s character threw me off. The writing in the beginning was quite repetitive. Like when things were being described, it was ‘not this, not this, but this’ (you’ll understand if you’ve read it) and it felt like it kept cutting me out of the story and stopped the flow a little bit. And with Lysandra’s character, it felt completely out of context. Because most of the book was revolved around saving her, I expected her to be elegant and knowledgeable. However, she was quite childlike and trying to be ‘down with the kids’, referencing things in today’s day and age when it was meant to be set in the 1800s (i think?). I just felt confused by the whole thing and cringed everytime she spoke tbh.
Also, I thought the slow burn side of things felt a little rushed by the end. In the beginning they couldn’t make eye contact without blushing and by the end they were getting married and having a baby?? If a second book is coming out it could’ve been dragged out a little more than that.
All in all it was an enjoyable book and I loved most scenes, there were just little niggles that I couldn’t get past. I would still recommend this book because the setting was beautiful as i’d imagined, the characters were very loving and close knit which was lovely to see, and I was gripped in some scenes that I couldn’t put the book down. The storyline is lovely and I loved the different magic used.
Thank you so much for an early copy of this book, I am very grateful🫶
I loved the storyline of this book, the thought behind it and how the characters developed. I enjoyed that it was easy to visualise what was happening and the different languages used. It made it unique in the best way.
I loved the development of Poppy and Mingxi, the way they grew together as a pair. I loved the world they lived in and how close the family were.
The first half of the book was more romance than fantasy, which is fine. I felt like I was reading and waiting for something magical to happen (which it did by the end, I enjoyed the battle scenes and how they were written).
Some parts of the writing and Lysandra’s character threw me off. The writing in the beginning was quite repetitive. Like when things were being described, it was ‘not this, not this, but this’ (you’ll understand if you’ve read it) and it felt like it kept cutting me out of the story and stopped the flow a little bit. And with Lysandra’s character, it felt completely out of context. Because most of the book was revolved around saving her, I expected her to be elegant and knowledgeable. However, she was quite childlike and trying to be ‘down with the kids’, referencing things in today’s day and age when it was meant to be set in the 1800s (i think?). I just felt confused by the whole thing and cringed everytime she spoke tbh.
Also, I thought the slow burn side of things felt a little rushed by the end. In the beginning they couldn’t make eye contact without blushing and by the end they were getting married and having a baby?? If a second book is coming out it could’ve been dragged out a little more than that.
All in all it was an enjoyable book and I loved most scenes, there were just little niggles that I couldn’t get past. I would still recommend this book because the setting was beautiful as i’d imagined, the characters were very loving and close knit which was lovely to see, and I was gripped in some scenes that I couldn’t put the book down. The storyline is lovely and I loved the different magic used.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rated ⭐️3.5 out of 5 stars.
Moonlit is N Shenski’s debut novel. The cover design immediately caught my attention, and after reading the book I can see how the artwork complements the story.
This is a beautiful, mythical and lyrical romantasy. It was a very easy read, and the worldbuilding felt unique. I was especially intrigued by the foxfire and found myself wanting to know more about it. The plot itself was interesting.
The pacing starts quite fast but slows down later on. I think this was intentional to give the characters more depth and allow the worldbuilding to unfold.
FMC: Poppy, she is strong, resilient and quietly lonely.
MMC: Mingxi, is sturdy, protective, disciplined, but under that strong exterior he is also quietly lonely.
The setting and the way certain details were described reminded me strongly of the atmosphere in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I could clearly picture the magic, the foxfire, the moonlight and the plum blossoms. Those visual elements stood out to me the most.
The only character I struggled to connect with was Lysandra. She seemed to be described quite differently in the first half of the book, and that earlier impression stayed with me. It created a bit of confusion when the rest of the plot and characters felt very consistent. That said, I think we will understand Lysandra much more as the series continues and learn more about what she has been through.
Overall, if you enjoy beautifully written mythical romantasy with a slower burn romance, this may be a good fit for you. Readers looking for fast paced action might find parts of the story repetitive.
Despite a few minor issues, I really did enjoy the book and I’m curious to see what N Shenski writes next.
Thank you to the author N Shenski for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Moonlit is N Shenski’s debut novel. The cover design immediately caught my attention, and after reading the book I can see how the artwork complements the story.
This is a beautiful, mythical and lyrical romantasy. It was a very easy read, and the worldbuilding felt unique. I was especially intrigued by the foxfire and found myself wanting to know more about it. The plot itself was interesting.
The pacing starts quite fast but slows down later on. I think this was intentional to give the characters more depth and allow the worldbuilding to unfold.
FMC: Poppy, she is strong, resilient and quietly lonely.
MMC: Mingxi, is sturdy, protective, disciplined, but under that strong exterior he is also quietly lonely.
The setting and the way certain details were described reminded me strongly of the atmosphere in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I could clearly picture the magic, the foxfire, the moonlight and the plum blossoms. Those visual elements stood out to me the most.
The only character I struggled to connect with was Lysandra. She seemed to be described quite differently in the first half of the book, and that earlier impression stayed with me. It created a bit of confusion when the rest of the plot and characters felt very consistent. That said, I think we will understand Lysandra much more as the series continues and learn more about what she has been through.
Overall, if you enjoy beautifully written mythical romantasy with a slower burn romance, this may be a good fit for you. Readers looking for fast paced action might find parts of the story repetitive.
Despite a few minor issues, I really did enjoy the book and I’m curious to see what N Shenski writes next.
Thank you to the author N Shenski for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC.
I want to start by saying that I think there is a really beautiful story here that has potential to be amazing. I'm just not sure that this book is totally there just yet.
I enjoyed some of the side characters, Mingha, Caelan and Lirrane in particular. I think the familial ties were written and developed well. I enjoyed the cultural aspects of the story and the rituals and ceremonies that happened.
I thought the magic was interesting but underdeveloped. I would have loved to see more of Mingxi helping Poppy develop her magic or learning more about the background of the magic. It just lacked a little bit of depth for me.
Moreover, I felt that that writing was very repetitive and relied on the same handful of literary devices, phrases and words over and over again. The overuse of these devices pulled me out of the story and made it a more difficult read. I also felt the pacing of this story was off and really lost its way near the end.
There were characters that were shoved in at the end with zero explanation about who they were or their ties to the main characters. I also felt that the character arcs for the main characters could have been more well developed and that the slow burn was honestly just too slow. Lysandra as a character was confusing to me. It's not really explained until the final chapters that she was travelling time and that's why she speaks like a modern day teenager even though the setting is the 1800s.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of this book but I'm not sure that I would recommend it just yet. I think it needs another run through style and content editors to really nail down plotting and to make the writing flow a bit more.
Thanks again for the ARC and best of luck on pub day!
I want to start by saying that I think there is a really beautiful story here that has potential to be amazing. I'm just not sure that this book is totally there just yet.
I enjoyed some of the side characters, Mingha, Caelan and Lirrane in particular. I think the familial ties were written and developed well. I enjoyed the cultural aspects of the story and the rituals and ceremonies that happened.
I thought the magic was interesting but underdeveloped. I would have loved to see more of Mingxi helping Poppy develop her magic or learning more about the background of the magic. It just lacked a little bit of depth for me.
Moreover, I felt that that writing was very repetitive and relied on the same handful of literary devices, phrases and words over and over again. The overuse of these devices pulled me out of the story and made it a more difficult read. I also felt the pacing of this story was off and really lost its way near the end.
There were characters that were shoved in at the end with zero explanation about who they were or their ties to the main characters. I also felt that the character arcs for the main characters could have been more well developed and that the slow burn was honestly just too slow. Lysandra as a character was confusing to me. It's not really explained until the final chapters that she was travelling time and that's why she speaks like a modern day teenager even though the setting is the 1800s.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of this book but I'm not sure that I would recommend it just yet. I think it needs another run through style and content editors to really nail down plotting and to make the writing flow a bit more.
Thanks again for the ARC and best of luck on pub day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
I was privileged to receive an advance review copy of NShenski's debut novel, Moonlit - The Ashen Chronicles Book one. Such opportunities are rare, and I often struggle to finish the stories I am given. However, this novel proved to be an exception. From the outset, I sensed that it would be distinct. Typically, I find it challenging to engage with books that explore grief and turmoil, but I felt compelled to continue reading with each chapter.
N.Shenski has a gift for flowing, textured storytelling that makes her fantasy world feel incredibly real and powerful
Penelope is a heroine who makes a lasting impression. Her path is marked by boldness, fragility, and a firm inner resolve that feels entirely believable.
Her evolution blossoms through her connection with Mingxi, their masterfully crafted relationship shaped by trust, choice, and destiny, while a chosen family offers unwavering support in challenging moments.
The Chinese-inspired elements are woven in with care and reverence. From mythic guardians to ritual and symbolism, the cultural inspiration enriches the narrative and gives it a distinct, refreshing presence within the romantasy genre.
And the grief (soft, relentless, and bone-deep) was like that one aunt who just wouldn't leave.
It chipped away at my shell, yet never felt like it was milking it. Instead, it made the resilience, loyalty, and devotion shine all the brighter.
This debut is amazing. The writing is beautiful, the characters really grow, and the ending sticks with you.
N.Shenski has a gift for flowing, textured storytelling that makes her fantasy world feel incredibly real and powerful
Penelope is a heroine who makes a lasting impression. Her path is marked by boldness, fragility, and a firm inner resolve that feels entirely believable.
Her evolution blossoms through her connection with Mingxi, their masterfully crafted relationship shaped by trust, choice, and destiny, while a chosen family offers unwavering support in challenging moments.
The Chinese-inspired elements are woven in with care and reverence. From mythic guardians to ritual and symbolism, the cultural inspiration enriches the narrative and gives it a distinct, refreshing presence within the romantasy genre.
And the grief (soft, relentless, and bone-deep) was like that one aunt who just wouldn't leave.
It chipped away at my shell, yet never felt like it was milking it. Instead, it made the resilience, loyalty, and devotion shine all the brighter.
This debut is amazing. The writing is beautiful, the characters really grow, and the ending sticks with you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Thank you the author for honouring me with this arc to read to review honestly.
Moonlit
So my prediction was accurate. I lost sleep over this book. Just when I thought it was going well and the characters were happy, I was slapped in the face with another disaster as it struck. It kept me reading until those early hours.
I loved Poppy, strong and authoritative. Held together so tightly that she couldn’t maintain it. Her need to be accepted, need to be loved and need to have a family was heartbreaking and then for her to have all of this at the end made me smile.
Mingxi was just as controlled as Poppy and this made them a perfect pair. They opened up to each other in this slow burn romance. The glances, the brushing of hands, the slight resistance of the acknowledgement of their feelings until it becomes too much.
The secondary characters become family just as quickly and with some many personalities, the writing of those were exceptional. Exceptional in a way that I was laughing at the antics of Minghua.
Lysandra and the Sentinel? Please tell me my eyes didn’t deceive me, there’s definitely a spark there. Please please please continue it!! Please?!
I do enjoy a book that gives a happy ending but also leaves a battle on the horizon.
Thank you the author for honouring me with this arc to read to review honestly.
Moonlit
So my prediction was accurate. I lost sleep over this book. Just when I thought it was going well and the characters were happy, I was slapped in the face with another disaster as it struck. It kept me reading until those early hours.
I loved Poppy, strong and authoritative. Held together so tightly that she couldn’t maintain it. Her need to be accepted, need to be loved and need to have a family was heartbreaking and then for her to have all of this at the end made me smile.
Mingxi was just as controlled as Poppy and this made them a perfect pair. They opened up to each other in this slow burn romance. The glances, the brushing of hands, the slight resistance of the acknowledgement of their feelings until it becomes too much.
The secondary characters become family just as quickly and with some many personalities, the writing of those were exceptional. Exceptional in a way that I was laughing at the antics of Minghua.
Lysandra and the Sentinel? Please tell me my eyes didn’t deceive me, there’s definitely a spark there. Please please please continue it!! Please?!
I do enjoy a book that gives a happy ending but also leaves a battle on the horizon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an amazing book! I loved it from the very beginning. Packed with magic, romance, magical creatures and drought with danger, this book has something for everyone. Poppy and Mingxhe's story had me living and breathing it right along with them. They were both brilliant characters. She had been treated horribly as a child, lost her beloved sister because of her parents and was, understandably, broken and unable to trust. Mingxhe was sent to protect her from the evil being that wanted to possess her and her Moonborn magic. Together, they learned to trust and became bonded, making them even more powerful. I thought the sense of family portrayed in the book was heart-warming and lovely, showing Poppy what a real family was. While there was plenty of danger and peril throughout, there were also some humorous moments provided by Minghou and Lyssandra. They helped ease the tension in particularly dangerous moments. The author created a vibrant, atmospheric world that made me feel like I was there. This author has a great talent and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Many thanks to the author for letting me be part of her very first arc team.
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