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Moonshadow
Nearly a year after the sudden death of her childhood best friend, Melissa Moonwater still struggles with the loss—reliving Heather Harrison's final moments through her eyes each time she closes her own. But even as that wound heals, another opens when a shadow falls over her home of Cedar Crest. And a story its residents were told as children becomes a terrifying reality. With the last remaining member of their broken friendship by her side, Melissa becomes entangled in a deadly mystery—and a dark secret her small town can no longer keep hidden.
- GenresFantasy
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2019
6 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 5, 2019
This dark fantasy novel was very well done, and I would recommend it to any reader from tween on up. Explicit scenes are completely absent, though there is a light touch of romance that permates the pages. There are elements of a good horror story- mysterious disappearances and grievous injuries, as well as fantastical elements such as magic and other realms, expertly blended to tell a powerful story of hope, friendship, persistence, and second chances.
The story begins with Melissa, a fifteen-year-old growing up in a small Oklahoma town, lamenting the mysterious disappearance and apparent death of her friend Heather nearly a year ago. Since that day, other sixteen-year-old girls have been disappearing with each full moon. Her friend Connor tries to cheer her up by bringing her to a party, then on an adventure to a haunted bridge. When she wakes up the next morning, Melissa realizes that another girl has disappeared, and she was the last person to have seen her. A mysterious stranger, family secrets, a flesh-eating monster, and a hidden portal that only Melissa can unlock face her in her quest for answers.
The plot moves along at a good pace, and Melissa, the only viewpoint character, has an authentic, consistent voice. Her decisions upon which threads of the mystery to pull at next are logical, and her relationships with Connor and the stranger ebb and flow naturally. The final outcome of the novel was satisfying. Action sequences were written with detail, and the author is especially gifted in writing beautifully compelling imagery. I particularly enjoyed one of her descriptions of a river she's boating on later in the novel, "Candles in place of torches lined both sides of the narrow cave and filled the watery path in little white ceramic bowls, their firelight setting the water aglow as the bow of the gondola pushed through them." A short time later, she has another enchanting description of a garden that's just as vivid. The author has also included tidbits of Greco-Roman astronomical lore and Native American stories in her work, and though they're from opposite sides of the globe, she's found a connecting thread to tie them neatly together.
While there's not really anything to complain about with this novel, there were two things that I can think of that could've been tweaked just a bit to make it better. Both are quite minor. In one spot, shortly after the death of a classmate, Melissa jokes to Connor that she's going to kill him if he buys her a certain Christmas gift. Given the thoughts about Heather and her other classmate that have permeated her mind for the entire novel up to that point, I just thought it seemed a bit out of character.
The second thing was the epilogue. There is a pretty overt set up for a future sequel, or even series, in the final few paragraphs. Given a choice by a new, benevolent stranger and seeming to embrace the consequences without a second thought, Melissa accepts a proposal that will take her far from her small Oklahoma town, toward a lifetime of adventure in whereabouts unknown. It just seemed like the denouement wrapped up a bit sharply and she moved on extremely fast from the vexations she'd agonized over for the duration of the story. Another paragraph moving it to the next day when her situation had settled a bit more would've been all it took for it to be believable to me. Once again, a minor detail.
Overall, a very well done novel. I give it five stars, and look forward to reading more by this author.
The story begins with Melissa, a fifteen-year-old growing up in a small Oklahoma town, lamenting the mysterious disappearance and apparent death of her friend Heather nearly a year ago. Since that day, other sixteen-year-old girls have been disappearing with each full moon. Her friend Connor tries to cheer her up by bringing her to a party, then on an adventure to a haunted bridge. When she wakes up the next morning, Melissa realizes that another girl has disappeared, and she was the last person to have seen her. A mysterious stranger, family secrets, a flesh-eating monster, and a hidden portal that only Melissa can unlock face her in her quest for answers.
The plot moves along at a good pace, and Melissa, the only viewpoint character, has an authentic, consistent voice. Her decisions upon which threads of the mystery to pull at next are logical, and her relationships with Connor and the stranger ebb and flow naturally. The final outcome of the novel was satisfying. Action sequences were written with detail, and the author is especially gifted in writing beautifully compelling imagery. I particularly enjoyed one of her descriptions of a river she's boating on later in the novel, "Candles in place of torches lined both sides of the narrow cave and filled the watery path in little white ceramic bowls, their firelight setting the water aglow as the bow of the gondola pushed through them." A short time later, she has another enchanting description of a garden that's just as vivid. The author has also included tidbits of Greco-Roman astronomical lore and Native American stories in her work, and though they're from opposite sides of the globe, she's found a connecting thread to tie them neatly together.
While there's not really anything to complain about with this novel, there were two things that I can think of that could've been tweaked just a bit to make it better. Both are quite minor. In one spot, shortly after the death of a classmate, Melissa jokes to Connor that she's going to kill him if he buys her a certain Christmas gift. Given the thoughts about Heather and her other classmate that have permeated her mind for the entire novel up to that point, I just thought it seemed a bit out of character.
The second thing was the epilogue. There is a pretty overt set up for a future sequel, or even series, in the final few paragraphs. Given a choice by a new, benevolent stranger and seeming to embrace the consequences without a second thought, Melissa accepts a proposal that will take her far from her small Oklahoma town, toward a lifetime of adventure in whereabouts unknown. It just seemed like the denouement wrapped up a bit sharply and she moved on extremely fast from the vexations she'd agonized over for the duration of the story. Another paragraph moving it to the next day when her situation had settled a bit more would've been all it took for it to be believable to me. Once again, a minor detail.
Overall, a very well done novel. I give it five stars, and look forward to reading more by this author.
July 14, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Moonshadow by Krystina Coles is a haunting and gripping tale that delves into themes of grief, friendship, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of small-town life. With its evocative storytelling, complex characters, and a captivating mystery, this book deserves a resounding 5-star rating.
From the very first page, Coles establishes an atmosphere of melancholy and intrigue that keeps readers engrossed throughout the entire story. The tragic loss of Melissa's childhood best friend, Heather, sets the stage for a gripping exploration of grief and the profound impact it has on those left behind.
Coles's writing is immersive and poetic, beautifully capturing the emotions and complexities of the human experience. The evocative descriptions transport readers to the town of Cedar Crest, where they can feel the weight of the secrets that permeate its streets. The author masterfully weaves together past and present, unraveling the mystery and deepening the sense of unease with each revelation.
Melissa, the protagonist, is a compelling and relatable character who carries the weight of her grief with heartbreaking authenticity. Her journey of healing and self-discovery is both poignant and inspiring, as she confronts her own demons and unravels the enigma surrounding her small town. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed, each adding layers to the intricate web of secrets and mysteries.
The theme of friendship is skillfully explored in Moonshadow, as the bonds of loyalty and trust are tested in the face of danger. The dynamics between the characters are nuanced and realistic, capturing the complexities and vulnerabilities that exist within friendships.
The mystery at the heart of Moonshadow is intricately plotted, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Coles expertly balances the suspense and emotional depth, creating a narrative that is as gripping as it is emotionally resonant. The pacing is excellent, gradually building tension and keeping the reader invested in the outcome.
Furthermore, the exploration of small-town life and the secrets that lie beneath the surface adds a layer of depth to the story. Coles skillfully reveals the dark underbelly of Cedar Crest, challenging the reader's perception of the idyllic town and underscoring the capacity for darkness within seemingly ordinary communities.
In conclusion, Moonshadow is a mesmerizing and emotionally charged novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Krystina Coles's impeccable storytelling, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric prose create a captivating reading experience. This book is a testament to the power of grief, friendship, and the secrets that can shape a community. Highly recommended for fans of suspenseful mysteries and heartfelt explorations of the human spirit.
#Moonshadow #KrystinaColes #MysteryNovel #Grief #Friendship #BookReview
Moonshadow by Krystina Coles is a haunting and gripping tale that delves into themes of grief, friendship, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of small-town life. With its evocative storytelling, complex characters, and a captivating mystery, this book deserves a resounding 5-star rating.
From the very first page, Coles establishes an atmosphere of melancholy and intrigue that keeps readers engrossed throughout the entire story. The tragic loss of Melissa's childhood best friend, Heather, sets the stage for a gripping exploration of grief and the profound impact it has on those left behind.
Coles's writing is immersive and poetic, beautifully capturing the emotions and complexities of the human experience. The evocative descriptions transport readers to the town of Cedar Crest, where they can feel the weight of the secrets that permeate its streets. The author masterfully weaves together past and present, unraveling the mystery and deepening the sense of unease with each revelation.
Melissa, the protagonist, is a compelling and relatable character who carries the weight of her grief with heartbreaking authenticity. Her journey of healing and self-discovery is both poignant and inspiring, as she confronts her own demons and unravels the enigma surrounding her small town. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed, each adding layers to the intricate web of secrets and mysteries.
The theme of friendship is skillfully explored in Moonshadow, as the bonds of loyalty and trust are tested in the face of danger. The dynamics between the characters are nuanced and realistic, capturing the complexities and vulnerabilities that exist within friendships.
The mystery at the heart of Moonshadow is intricately plotted, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Coles expertly balances the suspense and emotional depth, creating a narrative that is as gripping as it is emotionally resonant. The pacing is excellent, gradually building tension and keeping the reader invested in the outcome.
Furthermore, the exploration of small-town life and the secrets that lie beneath the surface adds a layer of depth to the story. Coles skillfully reveals the dark underbelly of Cedar Crest, challenging the reader's perception of the idyllic town and underscoring the capacity for darkness within seemingly ordinary communities.
In conclusion, Moonshadow is a mesmerizing and emotionally charged novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Krystina Coles's impeccable storytelling, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric prose create a captivating reading experience. This book is a testament to the power of grief, friendship, and the secrets that can shape a community. Highly recommended for fans of suspenseful mysteries and heartfelt explorations of the human spirit.
#Moonshadow #KrystinaColes #MysteryNovel #Grief #Friendship #BookReview
April 19, 2023
a mix of genres
This book dabbles in more than one genre — mystery, urban fantasy, epic fantasy, sci-fi, folktale, a dash of horror — and it makes for interesting reading.
For the first 45% or so, I was enthralled, hardly able to go an hour without reading more. It seemed like a typical small-town murder mystery, but with a depth of sorrow and grief I wasn’t expecting. Yet at the same time there was a sense of whimsy, the unfocused lightness I would expect someone who fears her life is in danger but is still a teenager in school.
The middle point was a stark climax, and I was blown away by how vividly it was described — and how it crept up on me.
The second, however… the sense of light whimsy that lends to the feeling of a folktale sharpened, but the plot, and the characters, lost a lot of direction and clarity for me. The introduction of otherworldly elements lacked the extensive worldbuilding it needed for consistent clarity, and it almost felt as though the author had crammed several very different stories into one. The pacing was sharp, the urgency high, the emotion and descriptions vivid, and I enjoyed the reference to Cherokee stories (those get so little mention in fantasy, and this story brings them to life in a way), but the lack of clarity made reading to the end hard.
As a whole, I do recommend this book, and I will be reading the next one. Also, important mention: the cover of this book is so cool! The title and story match in wonderfully mysterious ways.
This book dabbles in more than one genre — mystery, urban fantasy, epic fantasy, sci-fi, folktale, a dash of horror — and it makes for interesting reading.
For the first 45% or so, I was enthralled, hardly able to go an hour without reading more. It seemed like a typical small-town murder mystery, but with a depth of sorrow and grief I wasn’t expecting. Yet at the same time there was a sense of whimsy, the unfocused lightness I would expect someone who fears her life is in danger but is still a teenager in school.
The middle point was a stark climax, and I was blown away by how vividly it was described — and how it crept up on me.
The second, however… the sense of light whimsy that lends to the feeling of a folktale sharpened, but the plot, and the characters, lost a lot of direction and clarity for me. The introduction of otherworldly elements lacked the extensive worldbuilding it needed for consistent clarity, and it almost felt as though the author had crammed several very different stories into one. The pacing was sharp, the urgency high, the emotion and descriptions vivid, and I enjoyed the reference to Cherokee stories (those get so little mention in fantasy, and this story brings them to life in a way), but the lack of clarity made reading to the end hard.
As a whole, I do recommend this book, and I will be reading the next one. Also, important mention: the cover of this book is so cool! The title and story match in wonderfully mysterious ways.
January 25, 2023
This dark portal fantasy creeps up on you. Coles slowly builds the tension until you find yourself on edge, and you have to keep reading because you want to know what happens next. I think the way Coles slowly drip feeds you the facts, and the uncertainty and fear of the characters dealing with a situation that has no explanation or answers is so clever.
Against a backdrop of the normal life of high school, baskeball games, coming of age, new love, there is a horror looming over them all which is all the more terrifying as no one knows what it is, and the way Coles deals with the disappearances and the reactions of those left behind is excellent.
Beautifully written, haunting and dark, Moonshadow leads you down a path you weren't expecting and into a mystical world which is exquisitely described, and hides deadly secrets. And then it got really confusing. A lot happens very quickly. It's difficult to tell who is thinking what and Melissa makes decisions based on very little facts. The ending felt rushed and people are left hanging all over the place.
I was going to give this five stars, but what began as a tense mystery disintegrated a bit for me at the end, and the mystical world blew through the plot and left me wondering what I had just read.
Against a backdrop of the normal life of high school, baskeball games, coming of age, new love, there is a horror looming over them all which is all the more terrifying as no one knows what it is, and the way Coles deals with the disappearances and the reactions of those left behind is excellent.
Beautifully written, haunting and dark, Moonshadow leads you down a path you weren't expecting and into a mystical world which is exquisitely described, and hides deadly secrets. And then it got really confusing. A lot happens very quickly. It's difficult to tell who is thinking what and Melissa makes decisions based on very little facts. The ending felt rushed and people are left hanging all over the place.
I was going to give this five stars, but what began as a tense mystery disintegrated a bit for me at the end, and the mystical world blew through the plot and left me wondering what I had just read.
November 19, 2019
Moonshadow sets up a very intriguing story. It takes a bit for some of the fantasy elements to come to the surface, but when they do, they keep your attention. Cedar Crest has this underlying vibe of mystery, and what Melissa Moonwater finds out and encounters makes me want to learn more about Native American folklore and mythology. There were moments here and there when I wasn't sure right away which character was speaking, but these moments were very brief. You can sit down, get immersed, and read this book in a relatively quick amount of time (depending on your schedule). I'm very interested in seeing how this story plays out in future installments, which I am sure Krystina Coles has planned out.
December 9, 2022
I love how easy it was to start with, Melissa is such a great character and the friend turned love was a great progression in the story. But not the only one!
With out spoiling the book too much the world developed very well through the book, the characters mostly blended well with the story. The best part was that from start to finish it was easy to understand and read, I’m looking forward to getting book two 💜
With out spoiling the book too much the world developed very well through the book, the characters mostly blended well with the story. The best part was that from start to finish it was easy to understand and read, I’m looking forward to getting book two 💜
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews