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The Feather and the Moon Well
"New York Times Best Selling Author David Farland—Mentor to such hugely successful Writers as Brandon Sanderson, James Dashner, Brandon Mull, and Stephenie Meyer—presents the first in a line of David Farland Discoveries, promising new authors whose work merits your special attention."
“In THE FEATHER AND THE MOON WELL, Shean Pao draws upon traditional tales of the fairy realm for inspiration, but creates a world that is uniquely her own. The resulting tale is richly drawn and completely seductive. This is a story that bears reading again and again.” —New York Times bestselling fantasy author David Farland.
We Must Live By The Choices We Make—Would You Help Someone Evil If It Could Free You From Your Eternal Prison?
Legend tells of a sorceress, living within a white tower outside of the great city of Ethcabar, who owns a vast hoard of strange and curious items. If you bring her something precious to add to her Collection, she may grant your wish… or curse you.
But no one knows that the Willow Woman also possesses a Moon Well – an item of immense power. One of its many abilities grants her to see into the future, and thus alter its course.
When she sees an item within the Moon Well, a great flaming feather of incredible beauty that has the ability to free her from her tower-prison, she discovers she will have to create an evil spell for a Nepha-Lord to get it. However, the devastation to the surrounding countryside, its people, and the certainty of her own misery might be too high of a price to pay.
Barbarus is a slave who wishes to be free of his Master, a Nepha-Lord of the sixth hell. He is sent on a journey to gather a rare item for the Willow Woman’s spell. The spell his Master desires will bind a Core-Demon to the Nepha Lord’s will, and give him terrible power. Barbarus discovers he has choices, and desires of his own. His growing friendship with Anarra, will either bring him release of servitude, or certain death.
Neither Barbarus nor his master know the Willow Woman is hiding secrets of a different kind, and the use of these powers is forbidden by her own people. Will she lose the love of the one man she has come to accept? Will she risk love, friendship and the terrible war she sees within the Moon Well to obtain The Feather?
A story of selfishness, friendship, betrayal, and hope. The Feather and the Moon Well is a magical tale built within the fringe of Irish Mythology. It is the first novel by Shean Pao in the epic series, In the Brilliance of Sun.
“In THE FEATHER AND THE MOON WELL, Shean Pao draws upon traditional tales of the fairy realm for inspiration, but creates a world that is uniquely her own. The resulting tale is richly drawn and completely seductive. This is a story that bears reading again and again.” —New York Times bestselling fantasy author David Farland.
We Must Live By The Choices We Make—Would You Help Someone Evil If It Could Free You From Your Eternal Prison?
Legend tells of a sorceress, living within a white tower outside of the great city of Ethcabar, who owns a vast hoard of strange and curious items. If you bring her something precious to add to her Collection, she may grant your wish… or curse you.
But no one knows that the Willow Woman also possesses a Moon Well – an item of immense power. One of its many abilities grants her to see into the future, and thus alter its course.
When she sees an item within the Moon Well, a great flaming feather of incredible beauty that has the ability to free her from her tower-prison, she discovers she will have to create an evil spell for a Nepha-Lord to get it. However, the devastation to the surrounding countryside, its people, and the certainty of her own misery might be too high of a price to pay.
Barbarus is a slave who wishes to be free of his Master, a Nepha-Lord of the sixth hell. He is sent on a journey to gather a rare item for the Willow Woman’s spell. The spell his Master desires will bind a Core-Demon to the Nepha Lord’s will, and give him terrible power. Barbarus discovers he has choices, and desires of his own. His growing friendship with Anarra, will either bring him release of servitude, or certain death.
Neither Barbarus nor his master know the Willow Woman is hiding secrets of a different kind, and the use of these powers is forbidden by her own people. Will she lose the love of the one man she has come to accept? Will she risk love, friendship and the terrible war she sees within the Moon Well to obtain The Feather?
A story of selfishness, friendship, betrayal, and hope. The Feather and the Moon Well is a magical tale built within the fringe of Irish Mythology. It is the first novel by Shean Pao in the epic series, In the Brilliance of Sun.
254 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2016
3 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Shean Pao
2 books28 followersShean is an award winning writer and has as a Reader's Favorite five star review for her novelette: Elah's Pearl.
I began writing back in the 4th grade. I started and finished a book when I was fourteen, as well as numerous short stories, none of which I had the confidence to try to publish.
Fate took me down a different path and I became a graphic designer. In the past 20 years I’ve worked for advertising agencies, printers, high-end real estate companies, book publishing companies (how ironic, but it taught me how to layout a book!)
I’m very happy to be returning to my first joy, and pretty determined to follow this old path of writing. I went back to college and took creative writing classes with the intent to minor, but it wasn’t until I joined a critique group many years later, that things really took off.
Quite a lot happened in that first year I went back to my writing. One thing led to another, and a novella I was working on ended up being a book. But the exciting part was when I started taking online writing classes from David Farland, a NYT best selling fantasy author. David and I worked on the editing of The Feather and the Moon Well, and when it was finished, he chose it to be the debut novel to launch: A David Farland Discovery for new writers. (The Feather and the Moon Well) was published by WordFire Press in 2016.
I am happily married to a talented and award winning photographer and graphic designer. We live in with a brilliant (all parents call their children brilliant don’t they?) African Grey Parrot named Zen, a grumpy blue fronted Amazon, as well as a cuddly and beautiful Sun Conure, CJ.
I began writing back in the 4th grade. I started and finished a book when I was fourteen, as well as numerous short stories, none of which I had the confidence to try to publish.
Fate took me down a different path and I became a graphic designer. In the past 20 years I’ve worked for advertising agencies, printers, high-end real estate companies, book publishing companies (how ironic, but it taught me how to layout a book!)
I’m very happy to be returning to my first joy, and pretty determined to follow this old path of writing. I went back to college and took creative writing classes with the intent to minor, but it wasn’t until I joined a critique group many years later, that things really took off.
Quite a lot happened in that first year I went back to my writing. One thing led to another, and a novella I was working on ended up being a book. But the exciting part was when I started taking online writing classes from David Farland, a NYT best selling fantasy author. David and I worked on the editing of The Feather and the Moon Well, and when it was finished, he chose it to be the debut novel to launch: A David Farland Discovery for new writers. (The Feather and the Moon Well) was published by WordFire Press in 2016.
I am happily married to a talented and award winning photographer and graphic designer. We live in with a brilliant (all parents call their children brilliant don’t they?) African Grey Parrot named Zen, a grumpy blue fronted Amazon, as well as a cuddly and beautiful Sun Conure, CJ.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 10, 2018
You can find my review on our blog by clicking here.
It is with no shame that I’ve read this book without much Irish mythology knowledge helping me out. I believe it is a rare source material in literature nowadays, and I’m happy to be able to plunge into Shean Pao’s creation without being overwhelmed by it. Leave it to none other than Shean Pao to deliver a novel with intricately infused references to Irish mythology. Written with a divine pen skill, The Feather and the Moon Well is a tale that marvelously draws upon a unique and brilliant magic system to put forth the story of Anarra, the Willow Woman. Bound to her magical tower, she grants wishes or curses upon receiving a gift from strangers. But the day has come that Rash’na’kul, the lord of the sixth hell, sends his lesser-demon Barbarus to bribe the sorceress into creating an object that holds great power. Gazing into her Moon Well, she however realizes that the future reveals that her freedom will be imminent, only at the cost of something dark and destructive for the rest of the world. When confronted to life-changing decisions, what will these characters peruse upon? What will be the fate of humanity?
I simply adored the magic system in this book. It’s fairly easy to follow and gives a great visual experience. In fact, Shean Pao uses threads as if the world had an invisible spiderweb covering it, and explains how these very threads have a role on individual’s fate and the different pathways in life. There’s no doubt that every passage that explores the threads and their utility are mouth-watering. The way the protagonist’s magic works is also one that is quite simple, yet complex. Upon a gift, she ponders the desires of the person and gives them a gift of their on. A wish or a curse. As she’s stuck to serve her guests and is known as a legend among the people, it is no surprise that she sees herself as a Goddess. Being able to choose who dies, who doesn’t, who rules, who serves, Anarra slowly learns that her self-centered behavior is only the result of her secluded and pleasure-free life. Wishing only to keep what she cherishes close, she remains a flawed character just like Barbarus, the lesser-demon. This character was nothing less than intriguing. He blindly follows his master’s orders and is struck with purpose upon the sorceress’ revelation that his freedom can be granted. It is in these flawed characters that Shean Pao finds something fresh and new for her debut series.
The narration in this novel is beyond any reproach. It’s visually stimulating and succeeds in delivering an exquisite prose. Every word, every sentence has the power to drive this story forward while leaving readers staggered on questions on love, freedom and hope. What I was quite stunned by was also how the novel was built. One moment readers are exploring Anarra’s point of view and her problems, and in another you’d be following Barbarus’ adventure and struggles. It sadly felt unconnected and completely separate. Although the story still manages to reunite characters in common settings, I believe it would’ve been even more engaging—than it already is—if there was a little overlapping on each of the character’s lives. The other problem, which is probably due to the not-so-lengthy nature of this novel, is how little information we get on some characters (Odhran and Gedauvan). The love story behind Odhran and Anarra is one that quickly hit me in the face. It felt more like they were always meant to be together without any real development in their relationship. The same goes for the hate that emanates from Gedauvan. An antagonist from the past that should’ve maybe had a little more insight, especially with his more magical appearance and aggression towards the protagonist. However, having divergent story lines helped Shean Pao deliver various conflicts, whether they were personal or relational. I deeply enjoyed how the themes emerged through her unblemished narration. Questioning actions that are beyond humans right (i.e. deciding upon a person’s fate to die or live) to wondering on the various privileges that we hold for granted, this novel explores subjects in a fluent and comprehensible way.
If I could get a dime for every beautiful sentence, I’d probably be a billionaire. Shean Pao’s use of threads and her clever imagery makes this novel a very pleasant read. Holding a lot of potential and a lively core essence, this book is assured of a bright future. All I’d need is my own Moon Well to prove it. The authors beautiful way with words helps greatly in laying out the groundwork for a beautiful series. Not to mention that The Feather and the Moon Well has a great twist in the end that will have you wondering what the future of the characters hold for them. It is without surprise that this story unfolded like an ancient fairy tale, and hopefully the adventures to come will unveil more on the characters and their past. The questions that are brought to light through this story filled with love, hatred, deceit, freedom and hope, are seldom enough to jump into this magical realm.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com
______________________________
A talent with words? She sure does. Shean Pao thrives in story-telling and doesn't shy away from building her own authentic world. This novel was beautifully written from cover to cover. It's fantasy elements were exquisite and quite intriguing; drawing upon Irish Mythology. Not to mention that Fate and threads have never been used like this before. Although I felt like the book was missing important parts, its core essence is lively and holds great potential for the next books in this series.
P.S. A full review to come really soon.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com
It is with no shame that I’ve read this book without much Irish mythology knowledge helping me out. I believe it is a rare source material in literature nowadays, and I’m happy to be able to plunge into Shean Pao’s creation without being overwhelmed by it. Leave it to none other than Shean Pao to deliver a novel with intricately infused references to Irish mythology. Written with a divine pen skill, The Feather and the Moon Well is a tale that marvelously draws upon a unique and brilliant magic system to put forth the story of Anarra, the Willow Woman. Bound to her magical tower, she grants wishes or curses upon receiving a gift from strangers. But the day has come that Rash’na’kul, the lord of the sixth hell, sends his lesser-demon Barbarus to bribe the sorceress into creating an object that holds great power. Gazing into her Moon Well, she however realizes that the future reveals that her freedom will be imminent, only at the cost of something dark and destructive for the rest of the world. When confronted to life-changing decisions, what will these characters peruse upon? What will be the fate of humanity?
I simply adored the magic system in this book. It’s fairly easy to follow and gives a great visual experience. In fact, Shean Pao uses threads as if the world had an invisible spiderweb covering it, and explains how these very threads have a role on individual’s fate and the different pathways in life. There’s no doubt that every passage that explores the threads and their utility are mouth-watering. The way the protagonist’s magic works is also one that is quite simple, yet complex. Upon a gift, she ponders the desires of the person and gives them a gift of their on. A wish or a curse. As she’s stuck to serve her guests and is known as a legend among the people, it is no surprise that she sees herself as a Goddess. Being able to choose who dies, who doesn’t, who rules, who serves, Anarra slowly learns that her self-centered behavior is only the result of her secluded and pleasure-free life. Wishing only to keep what she cherishes close, she remains a flawed character just like Barbarus, the lesser-demon. This character was nothing less than intriguing. He blindly follows his master’s orders and is struck with purpose upon the sorceress’ revelation that his freedom can be granted. It is in these flawed characters that Shean Pao finds something fresh and new for her debut series.
The narration in this novel is beyond any reproach. It’s visually stimulating and succeeds in delivering an exquisite prose. Every word, every sentence has the power to drive this story forward while leaving readers staggered on questions on love, freedom and hope. What I was quite stunned by was also how the novel was built. One moment readers are exploring Anarra’s point of view and her problems, and in another you’d be following Barbarus’ adventure and struggles. It sadly felt unconnected and completely separate. Although the story still manages to reunite characters in common settings, I believe it would’ve been even more engaging—than it already is—if there was a little overlapping on each of the character’s lives. The other problem, which is probably due to the not-so-lengthy nature of this novel, is how little information we get on some characters (Odhran and Gedauvan). The love story behind Odhran and Anarra is one that quickly hit me in the face. It felt more like they were always meant to be together without any real development in their relationship. The same goes for the hate that emanates from Gedauvan. An antagonist from the past that should’ve maybe had a little more insight, especially with his more magical appearance and aggression towards the protagonist. However, having divergent story lines helped Shean Pao deliver various conflicts, whether they were personal or relational. I deeply enjoyed how the themes emerged through her unblemished narration. Questioning actions that are beyond humans right (i.e. deciding upon a person’s fate to die or live) to wondering on the various privileges that we hold for granted, this novel explores subjects in a fluent and comprehensible way.
If I could get a dime for every beautiful sentence, I’d probably be a billionaire. Shean Pao’s use of threads and her clever imagery makes this novel a very pleasant read. Holding a lot of potential and a lively core essence, this book is assured of a bright future. All I’d need is my own Moon Well to prove it. The authors beautiful way with words helps greatly in laying out the groundwork for a beautiful series. Not to mention that The Feather and the Moon Well has a great twist in the end that will have you wondering what the future of the characters hold for them. It is without surprise that this story unfolded like an ancient fairy tale, and hopefully the adventures to come will unveil more on the characters and their past. The questions that are brought to light through this story filled with love, hatred, deceit, freedom and hope, are seldom enough to jump into this magical realm.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com
______________________________
A talent with words? She sure does. Shean Pao thrives in story-telling and doesn't shy away from building her own authentic world. This novel was beautifully written from cover to cover. It's fantasy elements were exquisite and quite intriguing; drawing upon Irish Mythology. Not to mention that Fate and threads have never been used like this before. Although I felt like the book was missing important parts, its core essence is lively and holds great potential for the next books in this series.
P.S. A full review to come really soon.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com
February 22, 2016
Loved. This. Book!
I received a copy of the book from the author herself and I'm ecstatic that I did.
This book was awesome from the start. I have always been fascinated by the Sidhe and every interpretation of them that I can find. Shean Pao's is full of light and shadow, happiness and melancholy, loneliness and friendship. There are strong forces and shades of gray. Difficult choices are made and moral struggles ensue. If you were to gain freedom, what are you willing to sacrifice? Who do you think you may become? Good? Bad? Something in between? The struggle for what is considered good, and what is considered evil, and those shades between is revealed beautifully in this novel.
My favorite character is Barbarus, a demon who has been enslaved by his master. He wishes to be free but as he finally finds the Willow Woman for his master he begins to realize that being free is both something to be cherished and something to be feared. Can a demon change his fate? Can he ever be free? Can he love? Ever? Should he be free? His questions are endless but relevant always. Such questions should be sought and answered by all - granted I only hope by those who can be considered good, not blindingly evil like Barbarus's master. (Unless they change for the better. Yet I know the world is not perfect but one can dream.) but I get off subject, Barbarus is a love able character because of his flaws and his search for hope and understanding is completed with his joining of Anarra, the Willow woman. Although nothing comes easy to our adorable demon. (And there are even questions of his origins!)
One place in the book I must speak about, the seventh hell chamber. It was described beautifully. Moss, plants, luminescent water; it sounded like a paradise. I really wish to see this room depicted by an artist, or visit (-sigh-I know it might very well be impossible but maybe when I dream tonight!) I love this place even more because Barbarus finds hope within, hope, and possibly, a friend.
Gods, I think I am going to read this again real soon. I had much trouble putting it down to do anything important. It's that good!
I received a copy of the book from the author herself and I'm ecstatic that I did.
This book was awesome from the start. I have always been fascinated by the Sidhe and every interpretation of them that I can find. Shean Pao's is full of light and shadow, happiness and melancholy, loneliness and friendship. There are strong forces and shades of gray. Difficult choices are made and moral struggles ensue. If you were to gain freedom, what are you willing to sacrifice? Who do you think you may become? Good? Bad? Something in between? The struggle for what is considered good, and what is considered evil, and those shades between is revealed beautifully in this novel.
My favorite character is Barbarus, a demon who has been enslaved by his master. He wishes to be free but as he finally finds the Willow Woman for his master he begins to realize that being free is both something to be cherished and something to be feared. Can a demon change his fate? Can he ever be free? Can he love? Ever? Should he be free? His questions are endless but relevant always. Such questions should be sought and answered by all - granted I only hope by those who can be considered good, not blindingly evil like Barbarus's master. (Unless they change for the better. Yet I know the world is not perfect but one can dream.) but I get off subject, Barbarus is a love able character because of his flaws and his search for hope and understanding is completed with his joining of Anarra, the Willow woman. Although nothing comes easy to our adorable demon. (And there are even questions of his origins!)
One place in the book I must speak about, the seventh hell chamber. It was described beautifully. Moss, plants, luminescent water; it sounded like a paradise. I really wish to see this room depicted by an artist, or visit (-sigh-I know it might very well be impossible but maybe when I dream tonight!) I love this place even more because Barbarus finds hope within, hope, and possibly, a friend.
Gods, I think I am going to read this again real soon. I had much trouble putting it down to do anything important. It's that good!
March 26, 2016
What a magical story! I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful tale of the Willow Woman. Reading this book was like reading all my favorite fairy tales and watching a mystical movie unfold before my eyes. It was fascinating reading about Anarra and her magical tower. There was suspense waiting to see what happened to her and Barbarus. I was easily caught up in what was happening in the story. I really look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend this book, The Feather and the Moon Well. Thanks to Shean Pao for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2016
Excellent story. Unlike any fantasy story I have ever read before. The various characters powers are fascinating and how these powers intertwine to create the story is intriguing.
March 20, 2016
Ah, if only half stars were possible. The Feather and the Moon Well is a somewhat-fluid 4-4.5 stars for me, much as I'd rather give it a five. A must read for lovers of Celtic lore, new fantasy perspectives, or any book that makes you want to dig down and start writing yourself. I received a digital ARC from the author herself as a gift, and I am incredibly grateful to have been able to read her work once more. Pao writes in beautiful, enthralling settings worthy of Tír na nÓg itself (and did I mention yet how I could just swoon over her use of Celtic lore?). It's rare to find modern, well-written stories dealing with that branch of mythology, at least with as much care to detail and old names (for Names are powerful things) as Shean Pao does with The Feather and the Moon Well.
The plot, as well, was new--or, rather, the perspective. Fantasy has seen the mysterious woman/fae trapped but granting wishes, as well as the monstrous man commanding devils. We've even seen them clash or interact on occasion (the 2015 movie Strange Magic particularly comes to mind). But, generally, we see them from a mundane hero's perspective as said hero quests for the lady, fights the devil lord, maybe even rescues the lady. Shean Pao is one of few to take on the question: Well what about our magic lady? What about her side of the story, or the devils the villain controls; surely they can be sympathetic, too. And they are; I adored Barbarus.
What made this book lose its 5th star for me was, shockingly, the threads that were left tangled and unattended, even in the epilogue-esque wrap up that sets up the next book (for which I am thoroughly excited). Some characters or scenes seemed added in just for kicks or for an attempt at more tension (Gedauvan, anyone?). Unless he has a major part to play in the next book, which doesn't seem likely from how little a role he played here, I personally think he could have been dropped all together instead of throwing in the cliché I-will-own-your-body-and-your -mind old wizard on top of a bigger and harder main villain. Other parts of the book felt...gappy. I felt more like I was reading Barbarus' story alone rather than Annara's or both of theirs. While Barbarus was seeking ingredients, nothing of import happened with Annara. What DID happen, that fling with Odhran, might have felt more substantial if we saw something more than a few brief glimpses that jumped us from her throwing him out of the tower to his arm around her waist the next time they met, to yay, seahorses and kisses. It felt like a shallow love story that could have been much greater if it had been explored instead of flitted through to pass the time.
Apart from these loose threads (I'll be latched onto that lovely imagery for a while), many more things went right. The beautiful set up for the next book at the end of Feather earned back that half a star. The interconnectivity of the threads and stories Pao has begun is sure to be thrilling in the sequel. She also touches on some interesting ideas of free well and the connection of art to memory that I'd love to see explored more (and speaking of art, can I please just live in Annara's tower?).
So, apart from suffering from maybe a little too much exploration in some areas and not enough in others, The Feather and the Moon Well is a great new fantasy and a must-read for any fan of good old Celtic lore.
The plot, as well, was new--or, rather, the perspective. Fantasy has seen the mysterious woman/fae trapped but granting wishes, as well as the monstrous man commanding devils. We've even seen them clash or interact on occasion (the 2015 movie Strange Magic particularly comes to mind). But, generally, we see them from a mundane hero's perspective as said hero quests for the lady, fights the devil lord, maybe even rescues the lady. Shean Pao is one of few to take on the question: Well what about our magic lady? What about her side of the story, or the devils the villain controls; surely they can be sympathetic, too. And they are; I adored Barbarus.
What made this book lose its 5th star for me was, shockingly, the threads that were left tangled and unattended, even in the epilogue-esque wrap up that sets up the next book (for which I am thoroughly excited). Some characters or scenes seemed added in just for kicks or for an attempt at more tension (Gedauvan, anyone?). Unless he has a major part to play in the next book, which doesn't seem likely from how little a role he played here, I personally think he could have been dropped all together instead of throwing in the cliché I-will-own-your-body-and-your -mind old wizard on top of a bigger and harder main villain. Other parts of the book felt...gappy. I felt more like I was reading Barbarus' story alone rather than Annara's or both of theirs. While Barbarus was seeking ingredients, nothing of import happened with Annara. What DID happen, that fling with Odhran, might have felt more substantial if we saw something more than a few brief glimpses that jumped us from her throwing him out of the tower to his arm around her waist the next time they met, to yay, seahorses and kisses. It felt like a shallow love story that could have been much greater if it had been explored instead of flitted through to pass the time.
Apart from these loose threads (I'll be latched onto that lovely imagery for a while), many more things went right. The beautiful set up for the next book at the end of Feather earned back that half a star. The interconnectivity of the threads and stories Pao has begun is sure to be thrilling in the sequel. She also touches on some interesting ideas of free well and the connection of art to memory that I'd love to see explored more (and speaking of art, can I please just live in Annara's tower?).
So, apart from suffering from maybe a little too much exploration in some areas and not enough in others, The Feather and the Moon Well is a great new fantasy and a must-read for any fan of good old Celtic lore.
July 13, 2024
This is like nothing I have ever read before - it's even better. The characters were so realistic, the world was so unique and the powers were so fleshed out. I LOVE IT SO MUCH. Specially the characters.
I fell in love with them, and all of their faults and even their dark and selfish desires. I found myself screaming, crying, and rooting for Anarra and Barbarus from the moment I started reading till the end. I haven't found characters so fleshed out before, it was beautiful. I could see their pain and their dreams almost like they were real people.
Unlike nowadays YA books' quite dumb protagonists and their unrealistic boyfriends, Anarra is quite frankly, bad a@@(forgive my cuss word, I just had to ^-^). I mean, she is a strong yet fragile women. I know I just contradicted myself, but aren't we all that? Aren't we all strong until we can't anymore, until we break down and we need someone just like Anarra needed Odrahn? This is why I LOVED Anarra's character. She also had desires and dreams that she dared put above anything else. It is selfish, but we are all sometimes. And her loneliness is something we can all relate to. That feeling of isolation, of having nobody to love you, that emptiness is a dark void no beautiful gifts can ever fulfill. Then there was Barbarus. I just think he was adorable, LOL. But most importantly, I loved to see his struggle to have hope as well as faith that he could change despite been a monster. I loved how both these characters present an issue we all have and that is whether we can escape the confinements of what makes us who we are.
The story was wonderful. I was surprised so many times when the plot twisted in an unanticipated direction; it made me hold on tightly to the book. Also, I loved how faith, hope, and love were very important elements to the story unlike young adult books' main concern, teenage-love(sorry, I've just read and abundance of really disappointing Ya books). I mean, these are actual important aspects of our lives that will stay with us until we die. That's why I love how maturely Shean Pao treats these issues, as they should be treated.
I can only thank Shean Pao for sending this book for an honest review because I just found myself a pearl in the literature world! I am looking forward the next installments and to see how the story unravels further.
It has been a delightful pleasure reading this book. Literary, it's been years since I've read such a fresh and original book, it makes me cry tears of joy.
I fell in love with them, and all of their faults and even their dark and selfish desires. I found myself screaming, crying, and rooting for Anarra and Barbarus from the moment I started reading till the end. I haven't found characters so fleshed out before, it was beautiful. I could see their pain and their dreams almost like they were real people.
Unlike nowadays YA books' quite dumb protagonists and their unrealistic boyfriends, Anarra is quite frankly, bad a@@(forgive my cuss word, I just had to ^-^). I mean, she is a strong yet fragile women. I know I just contradicted myself, but aren't we all that? Aren't we all strong until we can't anymore, until we break down and we need someone just like Anarra needed Odrahn? This is why I LOVED Anarra's character. She also had desires and dreams that she dared put above anything else. It is selfish, but we are all sometimes. And her loneliness is something we can all relate to. That feeling of isolation, of having nobody to love you, that emptiness is a dark void no beautiful gifts can ever fulfill. Then there was Barbarus. I just think he was adorable, LOL. But most importantly, I loved to see his struggle to have hope as well as faith that he could change despite been a monster. I loved how both these characters present an issue we all have and that is whether we can escape the confinements of what makes us who we are.
The story was wonderful. I was surprised so many times when the plot twisted in an unanticipated direction; it made me hold on tightly to the book. Also, I loved how faith, hope, and love were very important elements to the story unlike young adult books' main concern, teenage-love(sorry, I've just read and abundance of really disappointing Ya books). I mean, these are actual important aspects of our lives that will stay with us until we die. That's why I love how maturely Shean Pao treats these issues, as they should be treated.
I can only thank Shean Pao for sending this book for an honest review because I just found myself a pearl in the literature world! I am looking forward the next installments and to see how the story unravels further.
It has been a delightful pleasure reading this book. Literary, it's been years since I've read such a fresh and original book, it makes me cry tears of joy.
May 25, 2016
What a lovely fantasy steeped in the lore of Irish mythology. The Willow Woman is a fairy of great power who has exiled herself from the world of the fae. She sits in her ivory tower waiting for humans to come to her for favors. In order to receive her blessing, however, they must bring her a present in exchange. If the gift pleases her, their wish is granted; if not, they risk being cursed.
She's collected a vast store of items, each one connecting her with it's previous owner and feeding her power. The only thing she lacks is the ability to leave her tower for more than a few days.
The vision of a feather that will give her the one thing she truly desires sets in motion a series of events that may be the destruction of the world around her. Will she risk war and death on a mammoth scale to quench her thirst for freedom?
This is the story of a woman who believes herself to be all powerful. She has spent so much time by herself that she has lost the ability to empathize with others. She is selfish and secure in her belief that no one and nothing can touch her. It takes the loss of two beings who are very dear to her, and the near loss of another, before she begins to fathom what all her powers will bring down on the world.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and enjoyed every page. This the beginning of a series and I intend to read them all. I recommend that any lovers of high fantasy do the same.
She's collected a vast store of items, each one connecting her with it's previous owner and feeding her power. The only thing she lacks is the ability to leave her tower for more than a few days.
The vision of a feather that will give her the one thing she truly desires sets in motion a series of events that may be the destruction of the world around her. Will she risk war and death on a mammoth scale to quench her thirst for freedom?
This is the story of a woman who believes herself to be all powerful. She has spent so much time by herself that she has lost the ability to empathize with others. She is selfish and secure in her belief that no one and nothing can touch her. It takes the loss of two beings who are very dear to her, and the near loss of another, before she begins to fathom what all her powers will bring down on the world.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and enjoyed every page. This the beginning of a series and I intend to read them all. I recommend that any lovers of high fantasy do the same.
July 28, 2016
Interesting little story. I found myself caring deeply about some of the characters - especially Barbarus! His story and description really impressed me. But I also found others quite boring and only there for the role of a plot device - Odhran, for example, was someone I was completely indifferent to. The magic and world building was different from what I am used to in fantasy stories, albeit a bit too overbearing at times. What I appreciated most, though, was the ambiguity of the characters' morals - there was no good and evil, just a bunch of people/creatures, each desiring something that conflicted with the others.
October 4, 2016
3.5 stars. There was a point about 2/3 of the way through where I hoped all of the main characters would end up dead because they were all dumb, but then Barnabas turned out to be not so bad. Not sure I will read others in the series, though I'd read others by the author.
April 2, 2018
The author draws from Celtic lore, without much explanation or background for those without any exposure to such tales. Still don't have an idea as to what some of the creatures/demons mentioned are. Further, I found the protagonist, Anarra, annoying and petty but enjoyed the chapters on Barbarus, the secondary character.
August 11, 2023
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is one I did not finish.
It started well drawing me in with good character and world building.
After the character building the story then started to drag with very little happening.
I stopped reading it because I was bored.
Not for me.
This is one I did not finish.
It started well drawing me in with good character and world building.
After the character building the story then started to drag with very little happening.
I stopped reading it because I was bored.
Not for me.
September 29, 2016
The Feather and the Moon Well is an enjoyable and fairly short read. The world is medieval with a multitude of magical beings, including the protagonist. It draws on Irish mythology as well as a multi-layered hell (which may be Faustian, or something Irish I'm not familiar with). The characters are fairly complex for such a short work, and the two viewpoint characters are multi-faceted and well developed. My only real complaints are a tendency toward overly flowery language, and the fact that some major story elements are left unresolved (presumably for another book in the future).
July 18, 2016
This book came to me in a humble bundle. The title was nice and evocative, so I thought I'd give it a try. I didn't get all that far. The book is set in a sort of fantasy Ireland that's nothing like Ireland, the biggest similarity being folks throwing around Gaelic mythology-related terms. The first point of view character is some sort of seelie faerie or perhaps a demigoddess who has strong spells but must stay in her tower or her incredible age will catch up to her. Maybe? There was lots of explaining, but I found it unclear still. It all seemed to take itself extremely seriously. I read a chunk and then put it down to sleep. Today I woke up and decided that I didn't care enough to take it up again.
October 15, 2016
I really enjoyed this. Anarra was hard for me because she kept having the chance to do right and end everything, and she kept holding out for the feather. Even after all she lost, in the end, she still wanted that feather badly enough not to stop what was in motion. I really liked Barbarus. Yeah.
dnf
March 18, 2016I just can not. Bored and confused
April 2, 2016
Great book
January 7, 2017
I drank this book in, in a way I haven't for quite a while. The magic and wonder of it, and the amazing otherness of Anarra, who was both relatable and still alien and inhuman, captivated me.
Read
January 29, 2018Excellent
Wonderful book, with a lot of mystery. I was spellbound to this book, it captured my interest immediately. I recommend this book, highly.
Wonderful book, with a lot of mystery. I was spellbound to this book, it captured my interest immediately. I recommend this book, highly.
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