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Witching Moon
Once in an eon, when the Earth eclipses the moon on a winter solstice, an immortal is born under a witching moon. Anne has always had the strangest feelings—memories she couldn’t place; strangers she inexplicably yearned for.
After she rescues the enigmatic Phillip from a shipwreck, her comfortable life on the island of Cusabo is shattered, and the mystery of her destiny starts to fall into place. Anne leaves behind the life she’s always known and sets out with Phillip on an arduous journey to Amaranth, where her ancient family awaits her. But the path is dark and daunting, and Anne’s powers have only just begun to manifest.
After she rescues the enigmatic Phillip from a shipwreck, her comfortable life on the island of Cusabo is shattered, and the mystery of her destiny starts to fall into place. Anne leaves behind the life she’s always known and sets out with Phillip on an arduous journey to Amaranth, where her ancient family awaits her. But the path is dark and daunting, and Anne’s powers have only just begun to manifest.
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
298 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 3, 2021
The original setting creates a rich and intriguing world, where magic, a hunt, and gods and goddess struggle to capture one girl. In other words, this one was a very good read.
(Note: This is NOT a middle grade read nor upper middle grade read. The characters are ages 15/16 and up, speak and act like it (not like 12 or even 14 year-olds). The heroine was married before/earlier life. There is gruesome death. There is harsh violence. There are several moments of threatened rape and slightly sensual behavior.)
Orphaned, Anne lives happily on an island with her loving, adopted family. When a man is shipwrecked on the shore, she uses powers she was born with to heal his wounds and learns that he's been searching for her across the globe. He claims she's not only an immortal but a highly-adored, reborn one. And he isn't the only one searching for her. While he is kind and claims to want to bring her back to her sister...a girl she sees in her dreams, others are on the hunt to find her as well. Each of them will do anything to get her, and none have her best interests in mind. She's forced to run but knows her chances of escaping are slim, especially since they are also immortals and cannot die.
I picked this one up on Netgalley thanks to the description. The idea of a teenage girl with powers being hunted down during the time of the Civil War definitely struck me as original. And I'm so glad I picked this one up because it was everything I hoped it would be. This was one of those books, which I couldn't put down until I reached the very last page.
The writing in this one is well done and very much for the young adult audience. The author weaves a rich and intriguing world, which is hard not to get lost in. And I loved all of the aspects thrown in. Anne is raised on an island by a Indian midwife, whose tribe has merely survived and continues to do so because they live secluded on the island. There is a wonderful family bond and so much love and caring, that it's hard not to like them all from the start. It sets the basis for Anne's character nicely—kind, compassionate, naive and curious. I liked her from the get-go. Her character arc was very well done. The first chapter begins with her living a very secluded life, and her behavior as well as speech follows that sort of up-bringing. But as the tale unfolds and she's shoved into a harsh world, she grows with experience. The backstory, which is slowly revealed, adds the needed foundation as she unfolds to an amazing heroine page by page.
Then, there's the Civil War raging in the background...and this really stays in the background. It's mentioned as she runs with her hero across the U.S., but they only come face-to-face with it when they run into slave hunters. I adored the scenes with an escaped slave girl they meet, and enjoyed the slight addition of tiny bits of history. And yet, all of this was more like a dusting on the side of the main plot.
Action and tension are key in these pages. Anne is running from very dangerous hunters, and everything is at stake. There are sword scenes, injuries and death. And it's impossible to guess what will happen next or if anyone they meet can even be trusted. Or even if her supposed hero is all that he claims to be. It's simply exciting from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this one to young adult fantasy fans, who love a bit of history, strong heroines, tons of action, and even a bit of romance thrown in. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
I picked up an ARC copy.
(Note: This is NOT a middle grade read nor upper middle grade read. The characters are ages 15/16 and up, speak and act like it (not like 12 or even 14 year-olds). The heroine was married before/earlier life. There is gruesome death. There is harsh violence. There are several moments of threatened rape and slightly sensual behavior.)
Orphaned, Anne lives happily on an island with her loving, adopted family. When a man is shipwrecked on the shore, she uses powers she was born with to heal his wounds and learns that he's been searching for her across the globe. He claims she's not only an immortal but a highly-adored, reborn one. And he isn't the only one searching for her. While he is kind and claims to want to bring her back to her sister...a girl she sees in her dreams, others are on the hunt to find her as well. Each of them will do anything to get her, and none have her best interests in mind. She's forced to run but knows her chances of escaping are slim, especially since they are also immortals and cannot die.
I picked this one up on Netgalley thanks to the description. The idea of a teenage girl with powers being hunted down during the time of the Civil War definitely struck me as original. And I'm so glad I picked this one up because it was everything I hoped it would be. This was one of those books, which I couldn't put down until I reached the very last page.
The writing in this one is well done and very much for the young adult audience. The author weaves a rich and intriguing world, which is hard not to get lost in. And I loved all of the aspects thrown in. Anne is raised on an island by a Indian midwife, whose tribe has merely survived and continues to do so because they live secluded on the island. There is a wonderful family bond and so much love and caring, that it's hard not to like them all from the start. It sets the basis for Anne's character nicely—kind, compassionate, naive and curious. I liked her from the get-go. Her character arc was very well done. The first chapter begins with her living a very secluded life, and her behavior as well as speech follows that sort of up-bringing. But as the tale unfolds and she's shoved into a harsh world, she grows with experience. The backstory, which is slowly revealed, adds the needed foundation as she unfolds to an amazing heroine page by page.
Then, there's the Civil War raging in the background...and this really stays in the background. It's mentioned as she runs with her hero across the U.S., but they only come face-to-face with it when they run into slave hunters. I adored the scenes with an escaped slave girl they meet, and enjoyed the slight addition of tiny bits of history. And yet, all of this was more like a dusting on the side of the main plot.
Action and tension are key in these pages. Anne is running from very dangerous hunters, and everything is at stake. There are sword scenes, injuries and death. And it's impossible to guess what will happen next or if anyone they meet can even be trusted. Or even if her supposed hero is all that he claims to be. It's simply exciting from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this one to young adult fantasy fans, who love a bit of history, strong heroines, tons of action, and even a bit of romance thrown in. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
I picked up an ARC copy.
February 7, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Witching Moon in exchange for an honest review.
I got Witching Moon off of the YA section of Netgalley and immediately when I started it I knew that wasn't where it should have been shelved. Sure enough, this was also put under middle grade, but I honestly think the narration style would only really work in kidlit. The narration is very, very, heavy handed and it left me bored and unable to connect to anything here.
I got Witching Moon off of the YA section of Netgalley and immediately when I started it I knew that wasn't where it should have been shelved. Sure enough, this was also put under middle grade, but I honestly think the narration style would only really work in kidlit. The narration is very, very, heavy handed and it left me bored and unable to connect to anything here.
February 15, 2024
Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I DNF’d it at 45% after multiple times of trying to push through.
The narration was juvenile, written maybe for middle schoolers. But on the flip side, the actually sorry would not be appropriate for kids with the death and violence, threatened rape, and sensual moments.
The premise of this story was very intriguing. Anne is an orphan and this with her adopted family on an island, oh and she can heal things. Soon she finds out she immortal and has had previous lives. I wanted to like this story so much but even though I got to 45% not much of anything had happened to keep me intrigued past this premise. The characters backstories were neat. So even though I didn’t finish this one, I’m giving it 2 stars instead of 1 like I normally do DNF’d books.
Even though I didn’t enjoy this book, it might resonate with a more YA audience.
The narration was juvenile, written maybe for middle schoolers. But on the flip side, the actually sorry would not be appropriate for kids with the death and violence, threatened rape, and sensual moments.
The premise of this story was very intriguing. Anne is an orphan and this with her adopted family on an island, oh and she can heal things. Soon she finds out she immortal and has had previous lives. I wanted to like this story so much but even though I got to 45% not much of anything had happened to keep me intrigued past this premise. The characters backstories were neat. So even though I didn’t finish this one, I’m giving it 2 stars instead of 1 like I normally do DNF’d books.
Even though I didn’t enjoy this book, it might resonate with a more YA audience.
April 26, 2021
I want to first thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this lovely book. Please do not be discouraged from the reviews that are on goodreads. I honestly feel like people read maybe the first 5 pages and were like “nope” and there for gave it a bad rating. IF YOU DID NOT FINISH A BOOK, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE IT A STAR RATING!!! I know everyone has different opinions, but I honestly do not know how people could tear apart this book like they did with only reading a few pages. Which also has me confused because in the first few pages I was super into it!
I was already intrigued by the cover and title of the book. It encompasses the book so well and is SO PRETTY. Our story starts with the witching moon, an eclipse that is also on the winter solstice which only happens every 200-500 years. On this day, immortals are reborn. Anne had no idea that this was her past, but when a shipwreck brings a young man to the shores of her island, she soon finds out that her power of healing isn’t the only thing that is different about her. She is apart of a different world where people do not die and if they do by chance, they are reborn under the witching moon. She is now getting flash backs of her old life and is determined to make it back to her homeland to be reunited with her twin sister.
I love this book. I loved Anne and how she came from a small island where she grew up humble and her love for children. I thought her character was built beautifully and I felt not only connected to her, but also to Phillip and the side characters. Anne is such a strong hearted woman and I admire her strength during the book. I also enjoyed the fact that we got a glimpse of the underground railroad since this book is set during the civil war. It brought in a realistic aspect the book that I think the author was trying to show since this is not a full fantasy world. Also, the ship! I LOVED all the different places that our MC found herself in and even though she was in some horrible places, I loved the detail the author provided.
If I had one complaint, it would be that I wanted more. I wanted more world building, more about Anne’s past life and the new life that she will have at the end of the book. I wish there were simply MORE. Even though I wish there were more, I do not think this was a good enough reason to rate this book poorly. If anything, I loved this book so much that I truly hope the author comes out with a second book to explain the universe that Anna finds herself in and the past that brought her death. Her home land sounds beautiful and I want to know what her new role in her kingdom will be.
Overall, I loved this book. I am sad others didn’t because I truly do think it was wonderful. I would rate this more of a middle school read but if the author came out with book two I am sure there would be more details of Anne’s horrific past and maybe in the new love of her life. That could bump this book series up to a YA. I think we just needed a little bit more for it to be considered YA. I highly recommend this book and I am BEGGING for book 2!!!!
I was already intrigued by the cover and title of the book. It encompasses the book so well and is SO PRETTY. Our story starts with the witching moon, an eclipse that is also on the winter solstice which only happens every 200-500 years. On this day, immortals are reborn. Anne had no idea that this was her past, but when a shipwreck brings a young man to the shores of her island, she soon finds out that her power of healing isn’t the only thing that is different about her. She is apart of a different world where people do not die and if they do by chance, they are reborn under the witching moon. She is now getting flash backs of her old life and is determined to make it back to her homeland to be reunited with her twin sister.
I love this book. I loved Anne and how she came from a small island where she grew up humble and her love for children. I thought her character was built beautifully and I felt not only connected to her, but also to Phillip and the side characters. Anne is such a strong hearted woman and I admire her strength during the book. I also enjoyed the fact that we got a glimpse of the underground railroad since this book is set during the civil war. It brought in a realistic aspect the book that I think the author was trying to show since this is not a full fantasy world. Also, the ship! I LOVED all the different places that our MC found herself in and even though she was in some horrible places, I loved the detail the author provided.
If I had one complaint, it would be that I wanted more. I wanted more world building, more about Anne’s past life and the new life that she will have at the end of the book. I wish there were simply MORE. Even though I wish there were more, I do not think this was a good enough reason to rate this book poorly. If anything, I loved this book so much that I truly hope the author comes out with a second book to explain the universe that Anna finds herself in and the past that brought her death. Her home land sounds beautiful and I want to know what her new role in her kingdom will be.
Overall, I loved this book. I am sad others didn’t because I truly do think it was wonderful. I would rate this more of a middle school read but if the author came out with book two I am sure there would be more details of Anne’s horrific past and maybe in the new love of her life. That could bump this book series up to a YA. I think we just needed a little bit more for it to be considered YA. I highly recommend this book and I am BEGGING for book 2!!!!
May 20, 2021
Taking place in 1865, near the end of the American civil war, K.E. Bonner’s Witching Moon opens to a young girl rescues a man from drowning in a shipwreck using her extraordinary gift for healing. This rescue leads to Anne having to leave her life and comfort zone of Cusabo Island and venture to find the home she has dreamed about. On this venture, she leads more of the world and her world, grows into herself and her powers, finds friendships and family and discovers what lengths she would go to get where she’s been drawn to in her dreams.
Anne is a young woman who grows up on an island, in a place where she can explore barefoot and free, but in her dreams she dreams of another life, another girl and in another place. Anne has compassion, and is smart. While she is learning of her history, she absorbs it all and takes things in stride. She makes friends and uses her compassion for people to guide her in making decisions. Often in her travels, she is faced with difficult choices. While she is young in this life, she is also an immortal and as the memories of her last life are revealed to her, she grows and develops more mature perspective on the world than a mortal teen would have. The other characters in this novel are all part of her story, her past and her future. But each one of them plays their role in her growth and her venture to find that place in her dreams. Phillip is strong and stubborn, Rory is sweet and brave and Rowan is understanding and kind.
While this book is targeted for upper middle grade, I would put it in the young adult section (I suggest readers aged 14-15). This book has violence and shows aspects of what it was like to escape slavery in it. While nothing is said in gross detail, I would want to audience to understand the more serious themes in this book. The pacing and writing were very good. There was ups and downs throughout the novel. I was hoping for more explanation of the magic system. I also was hoping for more lightness in the story. It has a lot darkness to it, while the ending had a lot of light within it, I was hoping some of that light would have been spread throughout the plot. I think the world building was good. I would question though the thought that Anne would have with traveling and the language barriers she would have faced. While I appreciate the lack of complication of that, it is not realistic to expect a young girl who doesn’t know how to read or write not to face any challenges with that throughout her journey from Cusabo Island to her ancestral home.
Overall, I think this book is good. While there are some issues I would have liked addressed in the novel, I think that Witching Moon is a great standalone for those looking for an uncomplicated fantasy adventure story they can enjoy as a Saturday afternoon read.
ARC privided by NetGalley and Belle Isle Books
Anne is a young woman who grows up on an island, in a place where she can explore barefoot and free, but in her dreams she dreams of another life, another girl and in another place. Anne has compassion, and is smart. While she is learning of her history, she absorbs it all and takes things in stride. She makes friends and uses her compassion for people to guide her in making decisions. Often in her travels, she is faced with difficult choices. While she is young in this life, she is also an immortal and as the memories of her last life are revealed to her, she grows and develops more mature perspective on the world than a mortal teen would have. The other characters in this novel are all part of her story, her past and her future. But each one of them plays their role in her growth and her venture to find that place in her dreams. Phillip is strong and stubborn, Rory is sweet and brave and Rowan is understanding and kind.
While this book is targeted for upper middle grade, I would put it in the young adult section (I suggest readers aged 14-15). This book has violence and shows aspects of what it was like to escape slavery in it. While nothing is said in gross detail, I would want to audience to understand the more serious themes in this book. The pacing and writing were very good. There was ups and downs throughout the novel. I was hoping for more explanation of the magic system. I also was hoping for more lightness in the story. It has a lot darkness to it, while the ending had a lot of light within it, I was hoping some of that light would have been spread throughout the plot. I think the world building was good. I would question though the thought that Anne would have with traveling and the language barriers she would have faced. While I appreciate the lack of complication of that, it is not realistic to expect a young girl who doesn’t know how to read or write not to face any challenges with that throughout her journey from Cusabo Island to her ancestral home.
Overall, I think this book is good. While there are some issues I would have liked addressed in the novel, I think that Witching Moon is a great standalone for those looking for an uncomplicated fantasy adventure story they can enjoy as a Saturday afternoon read.
ARC privided by NetGalley and Belle Isle Books
June 14, 2021
Witching Moon
K.E. Bonner
Set at the tail end of the Civil War and beginning on the SC barrier island of Cusabo K.E. Bonner presents readers with, Witching Moon, an enticing tale with a unique blend of history, mystery, fantasy and a touch of romance. While on their epic journey from the US to an enchanted island off the coast of France Bonner has her protagonists Anne and Phillip contend with some of the societal issues of the time like native American injustices, slavery, the Underground Railroad and the unfortunate ravages of war, and as she develops their relationship she also introduces her audience to some really cool secondary characters both friend and foe. The book is fast paced and has some really creative world building mixing real and imagined and although the book is targeted for a YA audience, adult readers will also find this very enjoyable.
Growing up on Cusabo Island Anne always knew she wasn’t born into Mama Jane’s family and even though knew she was loved like she was, she knew she was different, for one thing she was born with the healing touch and from a young child had strange dreams that somehow felt familiar and always left her feeling like part of her was missing. Then one day she rescues Phillip a shipwreck victim from drowning and when he wakes up tells her fantastic tales about witching moons and a place called Amaranth, a place where immortals live, a place where she belongs. Anne wants to call it nonsense but in her heart she knows he’s telling the truth. So she says goodbye to the family and only life she’s ever known to meet her destiny. But the journey won’t be easy, there are other immortals who want Anne for themselves and will stop at nothing to get her.
K.E. Bonner
Set at the tail end of the Civil War and beginning on the SC barrier island of Cusabo K.E. Bonner presents readers with, Witching Moon, an enticing tale with a unique blend of history, mystery, fantasy and a touch of romance. While on their epic journey from the US to an enchanted island off the coast of France Bonner has her protagonists Anne and Phillip contend with some of the societal issues of the time like native American injustices, slavery, the Underground Railroad and the unfortunate ravages of war, and as she develops their relationship she also introduces her audience to some really cool secondary characters both friend and foe. The book is fast paced and has some really creative world building mixing real and imagined and although the book is targeted for a YA audience, adult readers will also find this very enjoyable.
Growing up on Cusabo Island Anne always knew she wasn’t born into Mama Jane’s family and even though knew she was loved like she was, she knew she was different, for one thing she was born with the healing touch and from a young child had strange dreams that somehow felt familiar and always left her feeling like part of her was missing. Then one day she rescues Phillip a shipwreck victim from drowning and when he wakes up tells her fantastic tales about witching moons and a place called Amaranth, a place where immortals live, a place where she belongs. Anne wants to call it nonsense but in her heart she knows he’s telling the truth. So she says goodbye to the family and only life she’s ever known to meet her destiny. But the journey won’t be easy, there are other immortals who want Anne for themselves and will stop at nothing to get her.
June 13, 2021
This story was woven so beautifully, the idea, the theme, the concept completely original and impressive, the words of the main character Anne deeply impacting.
So the starting was a bit slow and somewhat confusing to a point, but as the story goes on it touches your heart many a times.
The thrill when you are reading your favorite book, your heart-beating at some points, I felt it all in this book, and the ending was so happy!!!
I’m so glad Anne and Philipp and Anne felt whole again when she met Rowan!!!!!!! (That has to be the best part of the book).
Now for the criticism, so yes I did love this book, but there were a lot of unnecessary things I guess?
And like I said there is a lot of confusion in the starting and the ending just seems a bit aloft and a bit too happy, like the main points are left, we never get to know of her conversation with her old husband AND EVEN AFTER READING 300 PAGES WE STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HER SIBLINGS AND FOSTER MOM!!
So yeah well still it is a fun read once you get to the interesting parts there is NO WAY you can put it down (believe me I tried).
My rating 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Full Review on my blog.
So the starting was a bit slow and somewhat confusing to a point, but as the story goes on it touches your heart many a times.
The thrill when you are reading your favorite book, your heart-beating at some points, I felt it all in this book, and the ending was so happy!!!
I’m so glad Anne and Philipp and Anne felt whole again when she met Rowan!!!!!!! (That has to be the best part of the book).
Now for the criticism, so yes I did love this book, but there were a lot of unnecessary things I guess?
And like I said there is a lot of confusion in the starting and the ending just seems a bit aloft and a bit too happy, like the main points are left, we never get to know of her conversation with her old husband AND EVEN AFTER READING 300 PAGES WE STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HER SIBLINGS AND FOSTER MOM!!
So yeah well still it is a fun read once you get to the interesting parts there is NO WAY you can put it down (believe me I tried).
My rating 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Full Review on my blog.
June 11, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this to read.
Witching Moon is a strange book, the writing style is very simple and easy to read, it definitely seems to aim for very young adults (15 and under) with the language and descriptions it uses. While I personally don’t like the simplified language, it did make the book an easy, fast read. However, even though the language is targeted towards a younger audience, there were a few mentions of implied rape, and sex that I though shouldn’t have been put in a book written for younger people. On top of this, I often felt that the pacing was off. Sometimes a lot of events would be happening all at once and the writing would become very sloppy, while other times the book would be in a quieter setting and yet it felt that the author was trying to keep the fast pace up. This for me took me out of the book, so much was going on all at once and I was hoping for a breather in between big events, yet horrible situation after horrible situation kept on assaulting our main character.
Moving on to characters, the relationship between Phillip and Anne didn’t seem right to me, Anne has only been alive for 15 years, whereas Phillip is nearly 300. On top of this, they only knew each other for a couple of weeks, and already decided to be ‘bonded’. I don’t enjoy this older man, younger woman trope, and I would have like this book to be without romance as the main character is a child.
I did think that the book had strong female characters, which I love to see in books for children. Phillip was a good main character, he was a nice, caring man, and I think that that is needed in books too. I liked that Anne and Phillip made sure to help out anyone they came across, I believe that sent a good message. The main villains were interesting, Rex was your typical scary, big male villain, and he definitely was a high risk threat to Anne, however besides marrying Anne to Vallen we never actually find out why he doesn’t want Anne to travel to France. It mentions that anyone who has Anne on their side flourishes but the author made it seem like the French Sept was going to use Anne for conquering, or other nefarious purposes. While the Samurai were also villains in this book I thought they were very much in the background and didn’t have a big impact on the story. I would have liked their motives and characters to be further explored.
Finally, I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The book was based in the American Civil War, and I liked how it didn’t shy away from the use of slaves and slave trading. I think this is a good think when the book is for children as it helps them to learn history. I also enjoyed the talk about Native Americans, however I wish their history was more researched and delved into as I felt that they were so important to this story and yet had such a small aspect. This book had an awesome atmosphere, and I loved that it travelled through many countries, showing both the good and the bad of people. I believe that this book would be alright for younger readers, as long as they have someone to talk to about some of the harsher subjects that are mentioned. Overall I did enjoy reading this, and think that the author did a good job.
Witching Moon is a strange book, the writing style is very simple and easy to read, it definitely seems to aim for very young adults (15 and under) with the language and descriptions it uses. While I personally don’t like the simplified language, it did make the book an easy, fast read. However, even though the language is targeted towards a younger audience, there were a few mentions of implied rape, and sex that I though shouldn’t have been put in a book written for younger people. On top of this, I often felt that the pacing was off. Sometimes a lot of events would be happening all at once and the writing would become very sloppy, while other times the book would be in a quieter setting and yet it felt that the author was trying to keep the fast pace up. This for me took me out of the book, so much was going on all at once and I was hoping for a breather in between big events, yet horrible situation after horrible situation kept on assaulting our main character.
Moving on to characters, the relationship between Phillip and Anne didn’t seem right to me, Anne has only been alive for 15 years, whereas Phillip is nearly 300. On top of this, they only knew each other for a couple of weeks, and already decided to be ‘bonded’. I don’t enjoy this older man, younger woman trope, and I would have like this book to be without romance as the main character is a child.
I did think that the book had strong female characters, which I love to see in books for children. Phillip was a good main character, he was a nice, caring man, and I think that that is needed in books too. I liked that Anne and Phillip made sure to help out anyone they came across, I believe that sent a good message. The main villains were interesting, Rex was your typical scary, big male villain, and he definitely was a high risk threat to Anne, however besides marrying Anne to Vallen we never actually find out why he doesn’t want Anne to travel to France. It mentions that anyone who has Anne on their side flourishes but the author made it seem like the French Sept was going to use Anne for conquering, or other nefarious purposes. While the Samurai were also villains in this book I thought they were very much in the background and didn’t have a big impact on the story. I would have liked their motives and characters to be further explored.
Finally, I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The book was based in the American Civil War, and I liked how it didn’t shy away from the use of slaves and slave trading. I think this is a good think when the book is for children as it helps them to learn history. I also enjoyed the talk about Native Americans, however I wish their history was more researched and delved into as I felt that they were so important to this story and yet had such a small aspect. This book had an awesome atmosphere, and I loved that it travelled through many countries, showing both the good and the bad of people. I believe that this book would be alright for younger readers, as long as they have someone to talk to about some of the harsher subjects that are mentioned. Overall I did enjoy reading this, and think that the author did a good job.
December 29, 2022
Although The Witching Moon is a fantasy, it isn't so outrageous that one would feel overwhelmed by its total ridiculousness It is captivating enough for the reader/listener to feel a part of the story. The characters are unusual but not farfetched. It has a feel of the Dark Ages, yet is feasible.
There is a lot of action and drama and violence as well, but mild in comparison to many books I have read.
The characters a developed well in a manner they are fairly easy to visualize. The background scenes are quite easily visualized as well.
This is a story of a young girl who in her early puberty is having dreams/visions of herself living in a different life. These visions/dreams feel so real. Later she learns why.
She was adopted by the midwife when her mother died at her birth. She has special skills that have become stronger with age. Her adopted mother wisely has raised her in a remote area of the midwife's tribal lands. When in her teens, she is surprised by a man who was floating in the ocean near her home, whom she rescued. As he became better, he had to persuade her to go with him back to her homeland. Many would lie to get her to come with them because of her special gifts. Whom should she trust?... Anybody?
As she follows her instinct, she comes to believe and trust this man, so she reluctantly follows him. Will she truly be safe with him?
This is a creative tale with much action and adventure. It is mostly unpredictable. There were a few areas the story was weak in, but mostly it was well-written and connected with the reader/listener. It had a strong ending, yet left me anxious to read the next in the series.
The Title and Cover image was chosen well and depicted the story's main points well.
I offer a strong Four Stars rating.
This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
The c
There is a lot of action and drama and violence as well, but mild in comparison to many books I have read.
The characters a developed well in a manner they are fairly easy to visualize. The background scenes are quite easily visualized as well.
This is a story of a young girl who in her early puberty is having dreams/visions of herself living in a different life. These visions/dreams feel so real. Later she learns why.
She was adopted by the midwife when her mother died at her birth. She has special skills that have become stronger with age. Her adopted mother wisely has raised her in a remote area of the midwife's tribal lands. When in her teens, she is surprised by a man who was floating in the ocean near her home, whom she rescued. As he became better, he had to persuade her to go with him back to her homeland. Many would lie to get her to come with them because of her special gifts. Whom should she trust?... Anybody?
As she follows her instinct, she comes to believe and trust this man, so she reluctantly follows him. Will she truly be safe with him?
This is a creative tale with much action and adventure. It is mostly unpredictable. There were a few areas the story was weak in, but mostly it was well-written and connected with the reader/listener. It had a strong ending, yet left me anxious to read the next in the series.
The Title and Cover image was chosen well and depicted the story's main points well.
I offer a strong Four Stars rating.
This book was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
The c
Read
April 26, 2021DNF. Apologies to K.E.Bonner, but this book was not for me. I gave up early on in the book because I couldn't get past the writing style. The story itself seemed v. promising though.
No rating because it wouldn't be fair after quitting so soon.
No rating because it wouldn't be fair after quitting so soon.
December 28, 2022
The Review
This was an incredible blend of YA Historical Fiction meets YA Sword & Sorcery Fantasy! The world-building the author goes through in this book is incredible, as the author delves both into the tail-end of the American Civil War in South Carolina and quickly delves deeper into this fantasy world of magic and power beyond imagination. The imagery and adventurous tone the author strikes keep readers on the edge of their seats as the story becomes more and more engrossing.
The way the author was able to capture the era for which this narrative hails and balance it with fantastic character development was what really kept me invested in this story. The wonderment that protagonist Anne views this new world through after leaving behind the only place and life she’s ever known made this story so profound, and the coming-of-age tale of this young woman discovering her power was both inspiring and entertaining to read and see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Captivating, engaging, and harrowing, author K.E. Bonner’s “Witching Moon” is a must-read fantasy meets historical fiction YA novel. The magical nature of the narrative blends well with the protagonist and her historical era upbringing, and the twists and turns in the character’s arc will keep readers glued to their books as the story winds down.
This was an incredible blend of YA Historical Fiction meets YA Sword & Sorcery Fantasy! The world-building the author goes through in this book is incredible, as the author delves both into the tail-end of the American Civil War in South Carolina and quickly delves deeper into this fantasy world of magic and power beyond imagination. The imagery and adventurous tone the author strikes keep readers on the edge of their seats as the story becomes more and more engrossing.
The way the author was able to capture the era for which this narrative hails and balance it with fantastic character development was what really kept me invested in this story. The wonderment that protagonist Anne views this new world through after leaving behind the only place and life she’s ever known made this story so profound, and the coming-of-age tale of this young woman discovering her power was both inspiring and entertaining to read and see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Captivating, engaging, and harrowing, author K.E. Bonner’s “Witching Moon” is a must-read fantasy meets historical fiction YA novel. The magical nature of the narrative blends well with the protagonist and her historical era upbringing, and the twists and turns in the character’s arc will keep readers glued to their books as the story winds down.
May 29, 2021
The premise and the beginning of this book were really interesting, but unfortunately, the rest just wasn’t for me. The whole book was spent travelling from terrible situation into terrible situation. Poor Anne just had terrible luck overall. She also fell in love quite quickly. At least to me, it felt like she and Philip barely spent any time together. The ending was nice and I liked the writing, but I would have liked to see more of Anne's new life with her sister.
I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2021
From the minute I started this book in September I knew it was going to be a good one! The character building and the setting was ✨chef’s kiss✨but unfortunately the last 100 pages put me in a reading slump and I STRUGGLED to get through to the end.
Things I liked:
- Characters
-Story building in the first half of the book
- The setting
Would not recommend for middle school readers as there is attempted rape. But, I would recommend to older readers and even my adult pals who like fantasy.
Things I liked:
- Characters
-Story building in the first half of the book
- The setting
Would not recommend for middle school readers as there is attempted rape. But, I would recommend to older readers and even my adult pals who like fantasy.
October 4, 2021
Great Read!
As soon as Anne met Phillip I began to try and figure it all out! There are twists and turns to this adventure yet are still very unexpected!
I hope the adventure continues! I can envision an epic fantasy unfolding right before our eyes!
As soon as Anne met Phillip I began to try and figure it all out! There are twists and turns to this adventure yet are still very unexpected!
I hope the adventure continues! I can envision an epic fantasy unfolding right before our eyes!
June 10, 2021
Thank for for Netgalley and the Belle Isle Publishing. I looked up the reviews before reading the book on Goodreads. Some of those reviews were mixed, but I believe, like any book, that it's best to experience the book itself.
The book starts off a little slow. About 30 pages in the beginning leave you feeling confused. But after reading the book, you're experiencing what the main character experience during that time. So it makes sense for the beginning to be confusing.
Into a fair portion of the book, we find out that Anne is very important. She was born under the Witching Moon. This means that she is Immortal and she has the powers to heal other people. So you can imagine that everyone wants her for their tribe and will stop at nothing to get her. This book is a whirlwind of emotions and action and you can't help but continue reading and hoping that Anne escapes whatever villain approaches her.
I give this book a four star rating. It has the right amount of romance, the right amount of action, and the right amount of suspense.
However, i did have some questions after reading this book. What is so important about Amaranth? Why did both Rex and Hattori make comments that they would rather die than have Anne be part of the Amaranth tribe? Also, we know that Anne has these powers but it would have been nice to see her use that power more within the book. All in all, I enjoyed this book and I hope that there is a sequel that tells the aftermath that's what happened to Anne now that she found her sister and her tribe.
The book starts off a little slow. About 30 pages in the beginning leave you feeling confused. But after reading the book, you're experiencing what the main character experience during that time. So it makes sense for the beginning to be confusing.
Into a fair portion of the book, we find out that Anne is very important. She was born under the Witching Moon. This means that she is Immortal and she has the powers to heal other people. So you can imagine that everyone wants her for their tribe and will stop at nothing to get her. This book is a whirlwind of emotions and action and you can't help but continue reading and hoping that Anne escapes whatever villain approaches her.
I give this book a four star rating. It has the right amount of romance, the right amount of action, and the right amount of suspense.
However, i did have some questions after reading this book. What is so important about Amaranth? Why did both Rex and Hattori make comments that they would rather die than have Anne be part of the Amaranth tribe? Also, we know that Anne has these powers but it would have been nice to see her use that power more within the book. All in all, I enjoyed this book and I hope that there is a sequel that tells the aftermath that's what happened to Anne now that she found her sister and her tribe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
An immersive middle grade fantasy - incredibly well written, with a unique setting - the Civil War. Great characters, plot, and world building.
February 19, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Brandylane Publishers, Inc. for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you read this book knowing its intended target audience of middle school age readers, then I think it works really well. The writing style/narration style reminds me a lot of "The Chronicles of Narnia" (it probably doesn't hurt that I am listening to those via audio-book currently). It was fast paced with just enough detail to flesh everything out, without going into so much detail that middle schoolers either wouldn't understand or would get bored by. There was plenty of action and I looked forward to picking up this book and was excited to finish the last 100 or so pages to see how everything turned out. I really enjoyed this book now and I think I would have loved it even more at that age.
To be honest, I started out with some trepidation because of some of the other reviews I read. Again, read it knowing it is directed at middle schoolers. It is set toward the end of the Civil War (at least one reviewer didn't know what time it was based in even though it was mentioned a few times), and I have no idea why someone would think this wasn't appropriate for middle schoolers (I have no idea what they thought was "sexy" in this book).
Not every book is for everyone person but it worked for me.
If you read this book knowing its intended target audience of middle school age readers, then I think it works really well. The writing style/narration style reminds me a lot of "The Chronicles of Narnia" (it probably doesn't hurt that I am listening to those via audio-book currently). It was fast paced with just enough detail to flesh everything out, without going into so much detail that middle schoolers either wouldn't understand or would get bored by. There was plenty of action and I looked forward to picking up this book and was excited to finish the last 100 or so pages to see how everything turned out. I really enjoyed this book now and I think I would have loved it even more at that age.
To be honest, I started out with some trepidation because of some of the other reviews I read. Again, read it knowing it is directed at middle schoolers. It is set toward the end of the Civil War (at least one reviewer didn't know what time it was based in even though it was mentioned a few times), and I have no idea why someone would think this wasn't appropriate for middle schoolers (I have no idea what they thought was "sexy" in this book).
Not every book is for everyone person but it worked for me.
March 19, 2021
Unfortunately I could not get engaged into this book. I know it's middle grade and therefore aimed at children, but the writing itself felt young. One of my biggest reading pet peeves is telling, and this book was full of it. I wish this author nothing but success, this book was just not for me.
*This eARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*This eARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2021
Witching Moon is a combination of historical fiction and fantasy that was medium paced and easy to read. While geared towards the young adult audience, as an adult, I found the story to be interesting and entertaining.
I was immediately captivated by Ann’s life on Cusco and could not wait to discover her journey. Having spent years living in the low country, Bonner’s vivid prose easily painted a familiar landscape and brought me to a place where I could almost smell the pluff mud and salt air. From the opening sentence, I was sucked into the story of Ann and Phillip. I’m impressed that this is Bonner’s debut novel and look forward to a continuation of Ann’s story or the next venture from this promising author.
I was immediately captivated by Ann’s life on Cusco and could not wait to discover her journey. Having spent years living in the low country, Bonner’s vivid prose easily painted a familiar landscape and brought me to a place where I could almost smell the pluff mud and salt air. From the opening sentence, I was sucked into the story of Ann and Phillip. I’m impressed that this is Bonner’s debut novel and look forward to a continuation of Ann’s story or the next venture from this promising author.
February 13, 2021
Many of the reviews on here say this is kid lit but they are wrong. This novel is long and brutal and sexy. Thinking it is anything other than YA or Adult is silly.
I hate that I finished this book. The writing is actually so good but the story is just one fucking note the whole time. Brutal. Brutal. Brutal. If everything is hard and bloody and brutal the ENTIRE TIME then nothing lands. And it’s such a shame because the writing it legit.
I hate that I finished this book. The writing is actually so good but the story is just one fucking note the whole time. Brutal. Brutal. Brutal. If everything is hard and bloody and brutal the ENTIRE TIME then nothing lands. And it’s such a shame because the writing it legit.
August 4, 2021
Ann begins to discover her powers after saving Phillip from a shipwreck. They must travel to Amaranth together as her powers start to come in to see what await her with her aim isn’t family. This feels like a historical read but with a mix of fantasy. It’s fast enough paced to keep me interested but doesn’t skip the good stuff. It’s well written and has all the emotion. It’s a very good set up for future books that I am looking forward to reading!
February 16, 2021
Most excellent!
June 10, 2021
Really terrific YA+ book with just the right amount of fantasy grounded in a great storyline with interesting characters. Hoping for a sequel! Highly recommend it!
June 28, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley & Belle Isle Books for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When I first saw this novel, I was very intrigued by the premise. Past soul lives coming back via reincarnation due to a celestial event is not an idea that I read often in fantasy, but I was really intrigued to find it here! However, I found that the execution of the premise and idea of the story fell flat for me - I wanted more from this story than I got.
The magical system and the idea of reincarnation and past lives as the plot was so intriguing to me that I was expecting to read more about the lore of this magic within the story. But it seemed like this was only a small portion to the struggle and adventure that this story really turned out to be. For me, this seemed to be oversimplified so it didn’t need to be explained more in depth, which was disappointing. In addition to the adventure of the story, there was a light aspect of romance as well.
The writing is not a style that I prefer to read or enjoy, it certainly read at a lower reading level than young adult, though there were some themes that were of an older age range in the novel.
Anne and Philip had some nice light character arcs but they also felt rushed in order to move the plot along quickly. I would have appreciated more rounding out of their arcs and their relationship within the story.
The atmosphere was a nice touch to the novel, but I was taken out of it quite a bit by the language and the writing. I didn’t love the setting because it was set in the “real world” with what seemed like lore that was new that wasn’t as well explained as it needed to be. I would have loved to see a high fantasy setting with this type of celestial lore and something that would tie into the story!
Overall, I enjoyed certain aspects of this novel, but the plot, lore and writing fell really flat for me. The premise is so interesting, I would love to see a story like this further developed!
When I first saw this novel, I was very intrigued by the premise. Past soul lives coming back via reincarnation due to a celestial event is not an idea that I read often in fantasy, but I was really intrigued to find it here! However, I found that the execution of the premise and idea of the story fell flat for me - I wanted more from this story than I got.
The magical system and the idea of reincarnation and past lives as the plot was so intriguing to me that I was expecting to read more about the lore of this magic within the story. But it seemed like this was only a small portion to the struggle and adventure that this story really turned out to be. For me, this seemed to be oversimplified so it didn’t need to be explained more in depth, which was disappointing. In addition to the adventure of the story, there was a light aspect of romance as well.
The writing is not a style that I prefer to read or enjoy, it certainly read at a lower reading level than young adult, though there were some themes that were of an older age range in the novel.
Anne and Philip had some nice light character arcs but they also felt rushed in order to move the plot along quickly. I would have appreciated more rounding out of their arcs and their relationship within the story.
The atmosphere was a nice touch to the novel, but I was taken out of it quite a bit by the language and the writing. I didn’t love the setting because it was set in the “real world” with what seemed like lore that was new that wasn’t as well explained as it needed to be. I would have loved to see a high fantasy setting with this type of celestial lore and something that would tie into the story!
Overall, I enjoyed certain aspects of this novel, but the plot, lore and writing fell really flat for me. The premise is so interesting, I would love to see a story like this further developed!
January 10, 2023
Witching Moon by K.E.Bonner is a YA fantasy book about a young girl Anne, who was orphaned at birth and taken in by the midwife. She is happy with her family until a man, Phillip, is shipwrecked on the island she lives on, and she rescues him. He has been searching for her for a long time and tells her she is immortal and reborn. She has had dreams of a girl who looks like her, turns out the girl is her sister, and she wants Anne back with the family that she came from. Phillip tells her tales of a place called Amaranth. She is skeptical at first but eventually decides that she will go with Phillip. It is a journey fraught with danger as there are other entities that want to stop her.
The story takes place at the end of the Civil War in I believe is North Carolina and South Carolina. I could tell that when certain cities are mentioned. I found that interesting that a fantasy story about immortals can run parallel to the true event in American history, a novel concept.
I don't usually read YA books; they just do not hold my interest but this one was good. I am not a fan of fantasy either but the way the author wrote it it really didn't seem that fantastical. I do love the cover; I think that is what attracted me to the book plus the title intrigued me. This is a standalone book. A book worthy of anyone's bookshelf!
I give it four stars.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
The story takes place at the end of the Civil War in I believe is North Carolina and South Carolina. I could tell that when certain cities are mentioned. I found that interesting that a fantasy story about immortals can run parallel to the true event in American history, a novel concept.
I don't usually read YA books; they just do not hold my interest but this one was good. I am not a fan of fantasy either but the way the author wrote it it really didn't seem that fantastical. I do love the cover; I think that is what attracted me to the book plus the title intrigued me. This is a standalone book. A book worthy of anyone's bookshelf!
I give it four stars.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
January 23, 2023
This book not only has a beautiful cover but also a beautiful and captivating story. Witching Moon is an amazing fantasy novel written by K.E. Bonner. This book will make you a part of its world before you realise it. Anne has always felt different, and when she saves Phillip from a shipwreck, it starts becoming more and more clear that she belongs somewhere else and that she is so much more than she realizes.
Accompanied by Phillip, Anne starts her journey to Amaranth. What is Anne's fate, and what are her true powers? Read the book to find out more about the prophecy and Anne's amazing powers!
This book is a wonderful fantasy novel that has it all: action, adventure, thrill, and romance. The characters are very memorable and loveable. The author is a master storyteller and has written a truly unputdownable book. The world building is great.
The whole book played in my mind's eye like a movie, and I loved the experience. Reading this book was a beautiful and thrilling experience, as I was totally invested in the story, feeling everything deeply and enjoying the whole reading process. I thoroughly loved this book, and I recommend it to everyone.
Accompanied by Phillip, Anne starts her journey to Amaranth. What is Anne's fate, and what are her true powers? Read the book to find out more about the prophecy and Anne's amazing powers!
This book is a wonderful fantasy novel that has it all: action, adventure, thrill, and romance. The characters are very memorable and loveable. The author is a master storyteller and has written a truly unputdownable book. The world building is great.
The whole book played in my mind's eye like a movie, and I loved the experience. Reading this book was a beautiful and thrilling experience, as I was totally invested in the story, feeling everything deeply and enjoying the whole reading process. I thoroughly loved this book, and I recommend it to everyone.
August 24, 2021
The premise and the first couple chapters were interesting, but when they got into the journey, I feel it's a bit difficult for me to enjoy, because they escaped from one problem to another. The writing, the world building and the setting are great! I always avoided a story that took place in war era, because I don't want to read about people's killing each other. So, this book is shocking me a bit. Since English is not my first language, some old words were new things for me to learn.
I think it's for young adult, since there are violence, killing, and death here, also the age of the characters is around 17 years old (the others are hundreds years). The blurb mentioned about her power to manifest along the story, but I feel it didn't give enough spotlight on her power development, maybe it's because I expected more discovery about herself in the journey that made her able to heal other people and herself at the same time. Overall it's a good story to follow, maybe the less-expectations-me would love this story better.
I think it's for young adult, since there are violence, killing, and death here, also the age of the characters is around 17 years old (the others are hundreds years). The blurb mentioned about her power to manifest along the story, but I feel it didn't give enough spotlight on her power development, maybe it's because I expected more discovery about herself in the journey that made her able to heal other people and herself at the same time. Overall it's a good story to follow, maybe the less-expectations-me would love this story better.
October 9, 2021
Anne was adopted by Mama Jane when she was born. Her mother died giving her life. Mama Jane knows some things about Anne has not told her. When Anne and Ruth save a man from dying, they didn’t know it would change Anne’s life. Anne heals the almost drowned man. Ruth goes to tell Mama Jane and get the brothers to help take him to Mama Jane. Anne finds out information about her origin, purpose and future. She has a sister in a faraway land. Anne goes to France to find her to bring together a prophecy and her healing gifts. She finds a bond with her unexpected sister. She makes an unlikely friendship while sailing the high seas.
The author has written a fantasy novel that shows the struggles she goes through. This is a novel that has not only fantastical elements but also historical settings making it a great experience to read. I like the idea presented of what a family truly is. It is an excellent novel.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written a fantasy novel that shows the struggles she goes through. This is a novel that has not only fantastical elements but also historical settings making it a great experience to read. I like the idea presented of what a family truly is. It is an excellent novel.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 24, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked this book. It was very well written and thoroughly immersive. I loved how the author set in at the end of the Civil War era, but it didn’t play a huge part either. Such amazing world building and detailed just enough to let you imagine what was happening. The story follows a young girl, Anne, as she discovers her magic and that she is an immortal with a sister, she takes this all in stride. She is compassionate, and matures through her journey. I especially liked when the author introduced Phillip, Rory, and Rowan, and that they each have a role in Anne’s growth. The pacing and writing were well done. The was a lot of darkness in the book, that I wasn’t necessarily expecting. This book is marketed towards the middle grade ages but I believe it should be more towards the teen ages (like 14-16). There were a lot of aspects that a young middle grader might not understand or comprehend well. Overall, it was greatly enjoyed and would definitely recommend it to others.
I really liked this book. It was very well written and thoroughly immersive. I loved how the author set in at the end of the Civil War era, but it didn’t play a huge part either. Such amazing world building and detailed just enough to let you imagine what was happening. The story follows a young girl, Anne, as she discovers her magic and that she is an immortal with a sister, she takes this all in stride. She is compassionate, and matures through her journey. I especially liked when the author introduced Phillip, Rory, and Rowan, and that they each have a role in Anne’s growth. The pacing and writing were well done. The was a lot of darkness in the book, that I wasn’t necessarily expecting. This book is marketed towards the middle grade ages but I believe it should be more towards the teen ages (like 14-16). There were a lot of aspects that a young middle grader might not understand or comprehend well. Overall, it was greatly enjoyed and would definitely recommend it to others.
April 28, 2021
eARC NetGalley review
Twelve year old Noelle would have ate this book up. Adult Noelle, eh, not so much. I think Witching Moon is very successful for its intended audience, but it doesn't work as well for the older reader.
All immortals are born under a witching moon -- a rare occurrence when on the day of the winter solstice, the Earth eclipses the moon. As the word immortal implies, these people do not die. If they are severely injured, they come back to life as a new being.
Our story begins in America around the time of the Civil War. Anne is on the beach with her sister, exploring the wreckage of a ship. There they find a young man among the pieces. He doesn't seem to be breathing. But Anne has a secret power -- her touch can heal.
So begins Anne's adventure along the East Coast. She meets many friends and just as many foes as she makes her way to the Atlantic Ocean, learning about her past along the way.
There's a female protagonist, adventure, magic, and a dash of romance. Seriously, I would have loved this story if I read it when I was younger. It reminded me of other books I was reading around that age.
Younger Noelle would have probably given this book a 4 star rating (maybe even 4.5).
Current Noelle says it's about 3 stars. I enjoyed the story for what it is but I won't be re-reading it or adding it to my permanent collection.
Thank you to the author, Brandylane publishers, and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Twelve year old Noelle would have ate this book up. Adult Noelle, eh, not so much. I think Witching Moon is very successful for its intended audience, but it doesn't work as well for the older reader.
All immortals are born under a witching moon -- a rare occurrence when on the day of the winter solstice, the Earth eclipses the moon. As the word immortal implies, these people do not die. If they are severely injured, they come back to life as a new being.
Our story begins in America around the time of the Civil War. Anne is on the beach with her sister, exploring the wreckage of a ship. There they find a young man among the pieces. He doesn't seem to be breathing. But Anne has a secret power -- her touch can heal.
So begins Anne's adventure along the East Coast. She meets many friends and just as many foes as she makes her way to the Atlantic Ocean, learning about her past along the way.
There's a female protagonist, adventure, magic, and a dash of romance. Seriously, I would have loved this story if I read it when I was younger. It reminded me of other books I was reading around that age.
Younger Noelle would have probably given this book a 4 star rating (maybe even 4.5).
Current Noelle says it's about 3 stars. I enjoyed the story for what it is but I won't be re-reading it or adding it to my permanent collection.
Thank you to the author, Brandylane publishers, and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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