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Like the Moon We Rise
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Expected 5 Jan 27Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 07:49:03
50 copies available
U.S. only
The deadliest poisons are the sweetest...
Auriel has spent her life indentured to a cruel hag, working as a poison maiden to do her bidding. Her sole relief is a friendship with a dashing supplier, storyteller Faolan. But then Faolan betrays her, delivering her to haughty Prince Ambrose before she can earn her freedom.
Ambrose has a if Auriel pretends to be the prophesied all-powerful Khelani and helps him liberate their people from the Empire’s control, he'll finally let her go. But Auriel is a poisoner and a witch, not a legendary warrior – and the prophecy is a fairy tale… isn’t it?
If the war is to be won, bargains must be struck, motives hidden, friends broken and remade as lovers – meanwhile, unburied truths will shake the world to its core. Soon, Auriel is fighting not for her freedom, or her heart, but for her life.
Auriel has spent her life indentured to a cruel hag, working as a poison maiden to do her bidding. Her sole relief is a friendship with a dashing supplier, storyteller Faolan. But then Faolan betrays her, delivering her to haughty Prince Ambrose before she can earn her freedom.
Ambrose has a if Auriel pretends to be the prophesied all-powerful Khelani and helps him liberate their people from the Empire’s control, he'll finally let her go. But Auriel is a poisoner and a witch, not a legendary warrior – and the prophecy is a fairy tale… isn’t it?
If the war is to be won, bargains must be struck, motives hidden, friends broken and remade as lovers – meanwhile, unburied truths will shake the world to its core. Soon, Auriel is fighting not for her freedom, or her heart, but for her life.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 5, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, First Ink, and Annabelle Cormack for this ARC! I greatly enjoyed the world building in this book! Auriel, a witch, is destined to take on a world-destroying Empress. She does not realize that her whole life has been preparation for this. Enter in a seemingly bored King, a dashing love interest, and an unknown mother for an adventure that was doomed from the start. I kept trying to love this book, but I kept ignoring it because it didn’t peak my interest as much as I thought. We will still probably buy it for the school library because it has some fun twists!
Auriel was a dynamic character, but I really wanted more of her back story. The beginning was my favorite part, and it felt so rushed. I really wanted more of her relationship with Dakr and the work she did in town. Ambrose fell flat for me and did not seem as needed to further the plot. Sometimes, it felt like two separate books being combined into one. I did not dislike the book, I just did not fall into it like so many others.
Auriel was a dynamic character, but I really wanted more of her back story. The beginning was my favorite part, and it felt so rushed. I really wanted more of her relationship with Dakr and the work she did in town. Ambrose fell flat for me and did not seem as needed to further the plot. Sometimes, it felt like two separate books being combined into one. I did not dislike the book, I just did not fall into it like so many others.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Kingdoms, witches and dragons...what could go wrong? This story would have been so much better had the author named the characters with distinctive names that are NOT similar to the others. There were at least two characters that I had trouble keeping strait by name. This is totally character driven as well...would have been a five it the settings were a bigger part of the story. If you like a fun book that probably (not sure) will have a sequel then this may be the one for you!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you Goodreads for the giveaway ARC I won for which I am providing an honest review.
Minus one star for lack of details to fully flesh out the story. A book I definitely recommend!
There is so much to like about this book. The premise--a young witch raised to kill as a poison maiden is bound into playing the role of a prophesied heroine to save the land from a power hungry, despotic empress who is possibly in league with Death himself--is fresh. The FMC is dark and dangerous, but sympathetic in her broken loneliness. There is the making of a love triangle with two MMCs with opposing personalities but a shared purpose. The imagery delineating the North, Talismere, from Alberon in the South is clear, simple, and striking. Being geared toward YA, the only spice is kissing. Cormack has created a unique world for the debut of this series.
One of my favorite things about this story was that I was never sure how it was going to end. This is partly due to the many questions whose answers unfolded into new unknowns. The most powerful reason, however, is the humanity that is present in every character. The plot leads us to ask the timeless questions of what makes someone a villain, whether everyone is bound by destiny regardless of the light and dark within each heart, and if redemption is possible. As deep as the themes are, they aren't forced on the reader so it is equally possible to enjoy as a straightforward kind of fairy tale.
Of course, I do have a few nitpicks. Though the world descriptions are done well, they are not done thoroughly. We know that Alberon and Talismere are on the same landmass, but it is unclear where Fiadh was before the empress wiped it off the map. Only three cities are mentioned in any detail but which never covers their size and scope.
There is also the issue of a very fuzzy timeline. We know very quickly that Auriel is 18 years old, but are given little to no way of gauging the ages of the other characters. Based on information provided late in the story, I had to reconsider my earlier assumptions about multiple characters.
My biggest gripe is that I don't understand the magic system of this world. Who has magic and why? Where does it come from, how is it wielded, and why does it leave runes/scars on the skin? Even more questions rise about the magic by the end of the book.
Altogether, my three complaints can be seen as symptoms of one issue which is a lack of detail. This is something I often come across in YA books, even those written as well as this one. Though it may be common, I think it's a disservice to the audience, and more importantly to the story itself. I think Cormack is capable of filling in these blanks in the remaining books of this trilogy, and I look forward to seeing her grow as an author!
Minus one star for lack of details to fully flesh out the story. A book I definitely recommend!
There is so much to like about this book. The premise--a young witch raised to kill as a poison maiden is bound into playing the role of a prophesied heroine to save the land from a power hungry, despotic empress who is possibly in league with Death himself--is fresh. The FMC is dark and dangerous, but sympathetic in her broken loneliness. There is the making of a love triangle with two MMCs with opposing personalities but a shared purpose. The imagery delineating the North, Talismere, from Alberon in the South is clear, simple, and striking. Being geared toward YA, the only spice is kissing. Cormack has created a unique world for the debut of this series.
One of my favorite things about this story was that I was never sure how it was going to end. This is partly due to the many questions whose answers unfolded into new unknowns. The most powerful reason, however, is the humanity that is present in every character. The plot leads us to ask the timeless questions of what makes someone a villain, whether everyone is bound by destiny regardless of the light and dark within each heart, and if redemption is possible. As deep as the themes are, they aren't forced on the reader so it is equally possible to enjoy as a straightforward kind of fairy tale.
Of course, I do have a few nitpicks. Though the world descriptions are done well, they are not done thoroughly. We know that Alberon and Talismere are on the same landmass, but it is unclear where Fiadh was before the empress wiped it off the map. Only three cities are mentioned in any detail but which never covers their size and scope.
There is also the issue of a very fuzzy timeline. We know very quickly that Auriel is 18 years old, but are given little to no way of gauging the ages of the other characters. Based on information provided late in the story, I had to reconsider my earlier assumptions about multiple characters.
My biggest gripe is that I don't understand the magic system of this world. Who has magic and why? Where does it come from, how is it wielded, and why does it leave runes/scars on the skin? Even more questions rise about the magic by the end of the book.
Altogether, my three complaints can be seen as symptoms of one issue which is a lack of detail. This is something I often come across in YA books, even those written as well as this one. Though it may be common, I think it's a disservice to the audience, and more importantly to the story itself. I think Cormack is capable of filling in these blanks in the remaining books of this trilogy, and I look forward to seeing her grow as an author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5 STARS!
Like the Moon We Rise ARC Review!!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this opportunity to read this fantastic debut novel.
This book starts off with a bang, and I was immediately pulled in by the premise. Auriel, out FMC, has been indentured as a poison maiden since she was a babe, sold by her mother. She was forced to kill, mostly the husbands of the town’s ladies, earning her the nickname Widowmaker. I loved the poisonwork and magick throughout the story, and the worldbuilding was immersive and laid a strong foundation for the rest of the series.
Auriel isn’t exactly a lovable FMC, but she’s the most perfect morally gray FMC I’ve encountered. She’s strong, determined, intelligent, and unapologetically dark. Watching her begin to discover herself and her powers was a great experience and I loved how her character grew throughout the story.
Faolan was the perfect MMC. I loved the contrast between his personality and Auriel’s darker nature. I still don’t quite know what to make of Ambrose (our other MMC), but he’s cold, calculating, and brilliantly smart, and I’m very curious to see where his character goes next. I love the banter between the characters and loved Auriel’s smart mouth. And Liadin was the perfect villain. There were moments when I genuinely questioned whether she was actually the villain we were being led to believe she was.
This was a dark, atmospheric fantasy filled with magick, poisons, morally gray characters, and plenty of mystery/intrigue. I’m definitely invested in this world and these characters, and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us. This was a fantastic debut novel!
Like the Moon We Rise ARC Review!!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this opportunity to read this fantastic debut novel.
This book starts off with a bang, and I was immediately pulled in by the premise. Auriel, out FMC, has been indentured as a poison maiden since she was a babe, sold by her mother. She was forced to kill, mostly the husbands of the town’s ladies, earning her the nickname Widowmaker. I loved the poisonwork and magick throughout the story, and the worldbuilding was immersive and laid a strong foundation for the rest of the series.
Auriel isn’t exactly a lovable FMC, but she’s the most perfect morally gray FMC I’ve encountered. She’s strong, determined, intelligent, and unapologetically dark. Watching her begin to discover herself and her powers was a great experience and I loved how her character grew throughout the story.
Faolan was the perfect MMC. I loved the contrast between his personality and Auriel’s darker nature. I still don’t quite know what to make of Ambrose (our other MMC), but he’s cold, calculating, and brilliantly smart, and I’m very curious to see where his character goes next. I love the banter between the characters and loved Auriel’s smart mouth. And Liadin was the perfect villain. There were moments when I genuinely questioned whether she was actually the villain we were being led to believe she was.
This was a dark, atmospheric fantasy filled with magick, poisons, morally gray characters, and plenty of mystery/intrigue. I’m definitely invested in this world and these characters, and I’m excited to see where the next book takes us. This was a fantastic debut novel!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A Haunting, Brilliant Triumph
Like the Moon We Rise is one of those rare novels that lingers long after the final page, tugging at your thoughts with all the what‑ifs you didn’t realize were hiding between the lines. Cormack crafts a world where trust is a luxury, motives are shadows, and every character feels like they’re holding a secret just out of reach. I found myself constantly guessing, and second‑guessing, who was friend, who was foe, and who simply existed in the gray space between.
The main female character, Auriel, is especially compelling. Raised without choice, shaped by forces beyond her control, she still manages to carve out her own moral compass. Watching her navigate that darkness, not with perfect clarity, but with stubborn resilience, made her journey feel both tragic and triumphant.
Cormack’s writing is exceptional: atmospheric, sharp, and emotionally charged. The story is dark and undeniably tragic, yet threaded with possibility and love, in a way that makes your imagination spark. Even after finishing, I kept turning over the implications, the unanswered questions, and the tantalizing paths the story could still take.
An extremely well‑written, immersive, and thought‑provoking read. The kind of book that doesn’t just stay with you; it follows you. I'd be shocked if this book doesn't become one of the biggest new dark fantasy series of 2027.
Thank you to Edelweiss | Macmillian | Farrar Straus and Giroux for this ARC copy. This is my review. This book is set for publication Jan. 5, 2027
Like the Moon We Rise is one of those rare novels that lingers long after the final page, tugging at your thoughts with all the what‑ifs you didn’t realize were hiding between the lines. Cormack crafts a world where trust is a luxury, motives are shadows, and every character feels like they’re holding a secret just out of reach. I found myself constantly guessing, and second‑guessing, who was friend, who was foe, and who simply existed in the gray space between.
The main female character, Auriel, is especially compelling. Raised without choice, shaped by forces beyond her control, she still manages to carve out her own moral compass. Watching her navigate that darkness, not with perfect clarity, but with stubborn resilience, made her journey feel both tragic and triumphant.
Cormack’s writing is exceptional: atmospheric, sharp, and emotionally charged. The story is dark and undeniably tragic, yet threaded with possibility and love, in a way that makes your imagination spark. Even after finishing, I kept turning over the implications, the unanswered questions, and the tantalizing paths the story could still take.
An extremely well‑written, immersive, and thought‑provoking read. The kind of book that doesn’t just stay with you; it follows you. I'd be shocked if this book doesn't become one of the biggest new dark fantasy series of 2027.
Thank you to Edelweiss | Macmillian | Farrar Straus and Giroux for this ARC copy. This is my review. This book is set for publication Jan. 5, 2027
October 14, 2026
Like The Moon We Rise
September 28, 2026 I received an advance reader’s copy thanks to author Annabelle Cormack and Fierce Reads through Goodreads giveaways
Publish date January 5th, 2027
I’m almost 20% in and I’m loving the story, a lot of action right at the start to draw you in.
I’m not very far in but the story has everything you could want , suspense, intrigue, attraction, deception, action, strong female character, magic and DRAGONS
I am so thrilled and can’t wait to read more
Secrecy and betrayal, I don’t know who to trust and that is the best reading experience
I’m now 75% in. There are a few times that I get confused but then the story goes on to explain that without going into a in-depth detail, which I appreciate because if there is too much explanation I will get bogged down in details and not understand the bigger picture.
I’m blown away that this is a debut novel because the story is great and it’s done so well.
“You don’t understand, you can’t hold someone at sword point and make them love you.”
😍
“Everyone had used her for their own ends. All along, her choices hadn’t even been her own.”
“The line between right and wrong, friend and foe, seemed murkier than ever “
Oh I love this book. Morally grey characters but I see their attributes and I feel for their position in the world and how hard it would be to make the correct choices.
I would highly recommend this book
September 28, 2026 I received an advance reader’s copy thanks to author Annabelle Cormack and Fierce Reads through Goodreads giveaways
Publish date January 5th, 2027
I’m almost 20% in and I’m loving the story, a lot of action right at the start to draw you in.
I’m not very far in but the story has everything you could want , suspense, intrigue, attraction, deception, action, strong female character, magic and DRAGONS
I am so thrilled and can’t wait to read more
Secrecy and betrayal, I don’t know who to trust and that is the best reading experience
I’m now 75% in. There are a few times that I get confused but then the story goes on to explain that without going into a in-depth detail, which I appreciate because if there is too much explanation I will get bogged down in details and not understand the bigger picture.
I’m blown away that this is a debut novel because the story is great and it’s done so well.
“You don’t understand, you can’t hold someone at sword point and make them love you.”
😍
“Everyone had used her for their own ends. All along, her choices hadn’t even been her own.”
“The line between right and wrong, friend and foe, seemed murkier than ever “
Oh I love this book. Morally grey characters but I see their attributes and I feel for their position in the world and how hard it would be to make the correct choices.
I would highly recommend this book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A stunning, riveting, and exquisitely written debut! I loved it.
Auriel is a poison maiden who was sold into servitude as a child where she is forced to kill using various poisons. She’s intelligent, determined, and unwilling to roll over under her life’s circumstances. I loved the moody atmosphere, and I felt the world building was so well done. It’s been a while since I’ve read a YA that felt unique from other romantasy/fantasy’s in the genre. I enjoyed the various twists, as well, and the side-characters!
This might just me, but I did want a little more romance even though I realize given it’s YA, the slow burn makes more sense. I definitely believe this is a strong debut, and I look forward to what else author, Annabelle Cormack writes!
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan for the early ARC!
Auriel is a poison maiden who was sold into servitude as a child where she is forced to kill using various poisons. She’s intelligent, determined, and unwilling to roll over under her life’s circumstances. I loved the moody atmosphere, and I felt the world building was so well done. It’s been a while since I’ve read a YA that felt unique from other romantasy/fantasy’s in the genre. I enjoyed the various twists, as well, and the side-characters!
This might just me, but I did want a little more romance even though I realize given it’s YA, the slow burn makes more sense. I definitely believe this is a strong debut, and I look forward to what else author, Annabelle Cormack writes!
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan for the early ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed Like the Moon We Rise by Cormack. One of my favorite things about this book was that it didn't revolve entirely around the romance. While the love story was certainly part of the plot, there was also an engaging overarching storyline filled with twists, surprises, and plenty of intrigue.
I would definitely classify this as a young adult fantasy. The romance itself felt a little shallow to me, although I have a feeling that may have been intentional and could become more important later in the series.
Overall, I found the book entertaining, fast-paced, and difficult to put down. The world and the larger story were compelling enough that I'm already looking forward to reading book two.
I would definitely classify this as a young adult fantasy. The romance itself felt a little shallow to me, although I have a feeling that may have been intentional and could become more important later in the series.
Overall, I found the book entertaining, fast-paced, and difficult to put down. The world and the larger story were compelling enough that I'm already looking forward to reading book two.
July 17, 2026
This book was so hard to put down. YA will a compelling female main with witchy powers and deep knowledge of poisons. The relationship with her friend and sometimes savior provides good banter, while the interactions with Ambrose leave you guessing as to where and how their relationship will end. The story includes friends to enemies to lovers trope and an interesting magic system. If you enjoyed the Priory of the Orange Tree series, you will likely fall in love with this series as well. I highly recommend. Read as ARC from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Review of advanced copy received from Fierce Reads through a Goodreads Giveaway
Like the Moon We Rise is a story following a witch who has known only that of poisons and treachery. Through social trials, will she fail to become who she is destined to be, or will she learn to trust those who surround her? Perfect for someone who loves unlikely heroes, stoic princes, and a good friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. I’m curious to see how the next part of the story progresses in the next novel.
Like the Moon We Rise is a story following a witch who has known only that of poisons and treachery. Through social trials, will she fail to become who she is destined to be, or will she learn to trust those who surround her? Perfect for someone who loves unlikely heroes, stoic princes, and a good friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope. I’m curious to see how the next part of the story progresses in the next novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book sounded really promising! The world building was really great and the magic system was good. I didn't fall in love with either MCs though and their love story came out of nowhere for me.
Overall, it was a great book!
Overall, it was a great book!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It's cool and atmospheric, but the ending is confusing.
August 27, 2026
DID NOT READ I accidentally clicked 3 stars, and it won't let me erase
Review of advance copy received from Author
On par with Circe by Madeleine Miller for me. The writing is vivid and the story utterly compelling, I can’t wait for books two and three.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I was so excited to receive this ARC in a giveaway! It was such a great read and I can’t wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Total proof that YA Gothic Romantasy still has plenty of fresh stories to tell! Annabelle delivers an incredibly immersive read with stellar world-building, a moody gothic atmosphere, and fantastic character development. This is a plot-driven, no spice story where the FMC’s personal growth takes center stage over the romance. The characters are wonderful, easy to root for, and there is some great banter. I completely lost myself in this world and cannot wait for the next book!
This was an Advance Copy I received from NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.
This was an Advance Copy I received from NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews