The Moonlit Warrior: A Young Adult Romantasy Adventure

The Shendri Series #4

by E.P. Stavs

“Forget the words of evil men, and see yourself for who you truly are.”


The battle for Lehi has reached its peak, and with the Shendri united for the first time, hope for beating Bade back is high. But when a new villain with tremendous power is added to the mix, the Shendri will need to be stronger than ever – a feat made almost impossible given the dragon Shendri's weakened state. Will Fia be able to overcome the nightmares of her past and become the hero that Lehi so desperately needs? Or will fighting the only person she's ever truly loved prove too difficult a task?


Strength, struggle, and self-sacrifice abound in the thrilling finale to E.P. Stavs's Shendri Series - “The Moonlit Warrior”.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2021

About the author

Author of romance and magic.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely adored the SHENDRI series and was eagerly anticipating the conclusion in book four! In THE MOONLIT WARRIOR, the narrative focuses on Fia, the fourth Shendri sister, who has had a troubled and traumatic life. All four Shendri sisters are back together and they are ready to take on Bade for once and for all. The rest of the book will be hard to talk about without spoiler tags or just being very vague and saying I LOVED IT!!! Which I did… I so binge read this in one sitting!

I really loved the way that the sort of love triangle/Stockholm syndrome relationship that was so carefully drawn between her and Bade, and her and Cashiel, was shown throughout the book. Cashiel was such a delicious cinnamon roll and as soon as he and Edmund are freed from the prison and he and Fia are together (and he manages not to save her from her “lizard” ha ha) you can see their instant chemistry. I also liked the way Bade was developed as a villain so that he wasn’t just a cardboard cutout baddie, but had nuance and while he had to be stopped, I felt sorry for him, too. I also really liked all the happy endings, for the main characters and for the side characters, like Maya’s parents and I loved the choice Cashiel ultimately made at the end. I just really like happy endings in books, and especially in series. This was just a feel-good series all the way around.

[Michele Quirke · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! So, I'm really not sure what I can even say in this review that won't be major spoilers so I'll keep it brief.

The Moonlit Warrior was phenomenal. It was the PERFECT end to the series. I laughed, I cried, but in the end I recognize this book for what it is: a masterpiece. In the nine months since the first book in the series, The Marked Princess, was released, I've grown to love the Shendri Warriors and the men in their lives so much. 2020/2021 was rough, but this series was one of the best things to come of it. I loved each book, and The Moonlit Warrior truly was the perfect finale to them all.

It was such fun seeing all four girls together. As a huge fan of Lily and Draven, I greatly enjoyed seeing them again.

Okay, I really don't know what more to say that won't spoil anything. Just know that The Moonlit Warrior is FULL of action, suspense, and the impeccable writing we've all come to expect from E.P. Stavs. She is a truly remarkable author and although The Shendri series has come to an end, I have become a life-long fan and eagerly await whatever wonders Stavs has in store for us in the future.

I'm gonna go get my tissues now because I'm legit sad this adventure is over. I'll end this review by thanking the author for bringing us, the readers, on this remarkable journey. The Shendri series has been a bright light this past year and for that, I am truly thankful.

[M.E. Aster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Moonlit Warrior is the perfect ending to this amazing series!!!

I have been putting off reading this book for so long because I didn’t want this story to end but when I finally did pick it up I tore through it so fast I can’t believe I waited this long to start it. I tried to drag it out so I could enjoy it more but it was impossible to stop reading once I started.

I have loved Fia since our first introduction to her and I was so glad to be able to dive deeper into her life. Unlike some of the other Shendri warriors, Fia had a much darker upbringing. Stavs did a great job showing how her past abuse had affected her and it was great watching her learn to love herself and others again.

I also really adored Bade as a character (I’m always down for a morally grey love interest.) Finding out more about him was so satisfying and I am going to shut up now to avoid spoiling anything but my heart belongs to Bade!

My only tiny complaint was that I truly wanted more which really is a compliment to Stav’s writing.

Overall this series is a masterpiece. Stavs has crafted a wonderful, unique world populated with a cast of wonderful characters that will live in my head long after the details of this story have faded away.

This series is one of my favorites and I am a lifelong fan of Stavs thanks to the Shendri series!

[Charlotte Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad that this series has come to an end ... but I am so thankful that I discovered it in the first place! Full of magic, honour, strong and tenacious lead women and an abundance of action, I was glued through all four books. Well done Stavs on an enchanting story, and I look forward to what comes next from your excellent imagination!

[Nunuv Yurbiznes · Rating 5 out of 5]

(NOTE: This review is based on my experience with the beta-version of the book and some details may change when the book is released.)

Normally in my reviews, I like to maintain a sense of professionalism in giving my opinions about any given story, and for the rest of the books in E.P. Stavs's Shendri series, I've kept to that philosophy. However, given that this is the last book in the series and since it has more than impressed me...

AAAAAH I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS BOOK! Fia's arc is so dark, depressing and emotional, all of the old characters are all so spot-on and just as lovable/hateable as ever and the new ones somehow STILL provide a breath of fresh air, and the romance, my GOD the romance!! It was such a well-written dilemma that I couldn't peel my eyes away from it, session after session! And the action, it was so explosive and dynamic, so good to see the characters at their absolute best in battle; each and every one of them, badass in their own rights and ways! The locations were so exotic, and the twists I swear occupied my thoughts for the rest of the day afterwards!

Literally my ONLY gripe with it is the tad-underwhelming ending but still oh my GOD THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! An astro-frickin'-nomical end to a (practically) flawless series, and I can't wait to see what Stavs gets up to next!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shendri Series goes out with a bang in THE MOONLIT WARRIOR, the fourth and final installment which began with THE MARKED PRINCESS, and it’s the perfect culmination for this enchanting, exciting fantasy-adventure series. Fia, the dragon Shendri, takes center stage here, and her journey is the most heartrending of the four Shendri. Her battles are not just physical, but deeply emotional, exploring what it means to be loved after trauma, and her loyalties are tested to their limits. Masterfully combining Stavs’ signature blend of humor, action, and romance, THE MOONLIT WARRIOR sticks the landing.

[Elizabeth Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every second of The Shendri Series. Picking up Book 4 was bittersweet, as much as I wanted to know what happened I didn't want it to end! The Moonlit Warrior was everything I wanted it to be and still left me wanting more. I was prepared to dislike Fia and yet she quickly became my favourite Shendri! Underneath the epic fantasy storyline, Fia's story is one of a girl finding herself, her confidence, and love. There was something very touching and real about Fia.

The writing is simply wonderful. You're immediately pulled into the magical world. The Moonlit Warrior was my favourite of The Shendri Series and I'm very excited to see what the author writes next!

[Shelby Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic conclusion to a wonderful series!
I didn't stop thinking about it for a long time after finishing (always a sign you've invested in a book/series). I still haven't, really!
Fia's journey is heartbreaking at times but incredible and uplifting at others. Part of me does wish one relationship within the series had worked out differently, but I've very pleased with how things resolved in this final installment. Fast-paced action, great characterization, intense emotional turmoil on so many levels . . . I loved this series and its characters so much.
Fantastic job, E.P. Stavs! Thank you for writing the Shendri series!

[K.R. Wieland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a ride! I loved reading this and seeing more of Fia’s story. She, like the other Shendri Warriors is strong and fierce, but she has lost her confidence. It was hard to watch her struggle, but so good to see her rise again and become what she was meant to be.

I really enjoyed reading more of Bade’s story as well. It added so much to the storyline of this series. I admit at times, I was rooting for him to overcome and torn between how I wanted this story to end.

I want to say more and gush about how much I loved Fia’s story (and her love interests) but I won’t spoil anything. I’ll just say this was such a fantastic way to end the series and I’m so sad it’s over, but glad that I can reread it anytime I want to. And I will!

[Sara Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this with Lilly and Draven as my favorite couple in the series, but Fia and her love interest definitely gave them a run for their money. It was a beautiful story about both love and healing set against a sweep of epic and fantastical events. And that's all I can say without mild spoilers. Carry on at your own risk.

*** SPOILERS BELOW ***

Going into this final volume I was extremely skeptical. Afterall, the previous books had seemingly set up Fia for a love story with Bade, and well, he was the villain! And I just couldn't see how he was going to have a redemption arc that would make it okay for him to be with one of our heros at the end.

And then in walked Cashel. And my skepticism grew.

But it worked. I really enjoyed how Cashel and Fia grew together. Granted, there was that brief period of time where I thought Cashel was going to listen to same pretty terrible advice, but it all worked out in the end.

And I actually ended up being happy about Bade's redemption. It definitely did not take a form that I expected. I think he got the best ending he possibly could of.

I *think* this might be my favorite book in the series. Kinda sad it's over.

[Darren Boeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wait it’s over? What? Seriously though, once again E.P. Stavs shows off her great writing skills as she concludes her Shendri Series. I do not wish to give away any spoilers, so I’m keeping this review pretty simple. It’s a great storyline that flows all the way back from book one. If fantasy with a few cups of romance is your favorite recipe then pick up the whole series and get reading. Truly a good series with memorable characters you will come to love.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, emotional ending to a great series! I think Fia may be my favorite Shendri to read about—she’s so broken, which gives her so much room for growth. I loved her internal struggle as she tried to figure out who to love. Cashel is DREAMY. This is a series worth reading! 4.5 stars.

[Niki Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read through to the last book of the series. So many cute callbacks and touching moments. The ending made me tear up but in a good way.

[Laken Honeycutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey! I don’t think I could pick a favorite of the four Shendris, but I will say I appreciate that Fia’s journey was left for last. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll let you figure out why that is for yourself.

I will say book four of the Shendri Series, The Moonlit Warrior by E.P. Stavs, delivers. It’s heart wrenching and darkly beautiful. How can you help but fall under Bade’s allure and yet wonder if you, too, aren’t being deceived. It’s this kind of dynamic that makes this book special and a bit different from the others. There is a necessary journey into darkness to progress. It’s not easy, it’s difficult, and everything is at risk.

I devoured this book. It was so good. I highly recommend it and the entire Shendri Series. Each book is a unique journey of self-discovery and uncovering one’s own power. I loved it! And I am actually very sad the journey ends here, but if it had to end, I’m glad it was with this story. Thank you for the amazing adventure, E.P. Stavs. I look forward to anything else this author publishes. She’s amazing.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong conclusion to a wonderful series

Let's see... Where to start? First off, I just want to say I KNEW IT! I knew there was more to Bade than met the eye (especially after the end of the previous book). I enjoyed Fia's journey (even though my ship didn't end up sailing) and I loved her strength and how she followed her gut instinct and conviction even when it wasn't the popular opinion. Her fighting spirit is to be admired and I loved watching her fight until the bitter end to do the right thing.

[Casie Aufenthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.P. Stavs has not disappointed with the epic conclusion to her wonderful Shendri Series. While still maintaining the humor and heart of the prior books, this one delves into deeper, darker emotions and battles far more dangerous than the physical war at hand.

While all of our favorite Shendri sisters and their dashing men feature in The Moonlit Warrior, the story is primarily centered on Fia. Out of all the Shendri, she has been the most lost and the most broken, and this story follows her out of the shadows into the light in a truly beautiful way.

To avoid spoilers, suffice it to say this book pulls together the lore and loose ends of the previous three books in a very satisfying manner, and fans of the series are sure to be pleased by how it all ends. E.P. Stavs has incredible talent for creating characters you can’t help but root for and tales sure to leave you wanting more. I can’t wait to see what this gifted author has in store for readers next.

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth and final book of the Shendri series, Fia the Dragon Shendri struggles with past trauma and questions of loyalty while attempting to convince her peers that there is still good in the person who is ostensibly trying to massacre everyone.

The romance in this volume has more ups and downs than in previous volumes, but it kind of makes sense with everything Fia is going through. I have the updated book which has the original ending but also an alternate ending. I found the alt ending to be satisfying, yet it throws a lot of what came before into the gutter (out of necessity for the alt ending to work).

The other three Shendri and their partners have plenty of presence in this book, and we get to see them in action together. There was an interesting reveal about the sun and moon goddesses' contrasting feelings about motherhood, and the consequences of each. It added even more layers their characters and the story as a whole.

I really enjoyed the Shendri series and highly recommend it for fun and spice-free (yet heart-fluttering) romantic fantasy.

[H. Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful end to a fantastic series. I starting reading the Moonlit Warrior, expecting an Avengers Endgame kind of ending, and I got so much more. I'm not going to spoil the story, but I'll just say I'm both satisfied with how it ended, and sad that it has.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was that not only did we get to meet all the characters that have been introduced throughout the series, we got to see the dynamic between them, and how their unique personalities collide.

And then we have Fia. Throughout the series, every time I read a new book, that Shendri became my favorite, and this book was no exception. I liked Fia before, when she was behind a veil of mystery. And now that I got to meet her, she is undoutably the closest on of the Shendri to my heart. Her struggles are so real, and her journey is one of self-discovery and self-acceptance, which are so relatable.

Once again, a job well done, and another testament to Stavs' great talent and skill.

[T.M. Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series!!

Hands down, this is my favorite of the Shendri series. While I really enjoyed all the previous books’ characters, Fia and Cashel really stood out to me. I felt strongly for Fia as she struggled with her self worth, and Cashel was exceedingly adorkable. They both had strong obstacles to overcome within themselves and with each other, and the ending made it very worthwhile!

I could tell the author put a lot of heart into this book and discussed themes that were really important to her. It paid off. It was a beautiful story of loyalty, redemption, and love—but most importantly, love for yourself. Wonderful job!

[Adrianne Lemke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this series, and The Moonlit Warrior did not disappoint. I liked Fia's journey from the scared and traumatized young woman to a strong fighter willing to go against what others wanted in order to figure out a better way to win. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between her and Cashel, and how, even when he didn't fully agree with her, he did his best to support her. Looking forward to seeing what other stories this author comes up with.

[Jessica Piro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to wrap up this fantastic YA Fantasy series! Fia goes through so much heartache and she keeps going, and once she realizes that, she becomes even stronger. She's inspirational!

[M.J. Bavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are - the last book in the Shendri series. The conclusion to the epic battle between Bade and the four Shendri warriors (and their lovable love interests) is in our reach...

In Moonlit Warrior we have the pleasure of getting to know Fia, the dragon Shendri. And what a treat it was! Fia's story is undoutedly the most complex & tantalisingly intriguing due to her troublesome past & association with Bade. Being a sucker for such a character, I was so there for Fia. I loved how she was vulnerable yet strong. I loved seeing her past, present and future through the growth she goes through.

Cashel, our love interest (yes, mine too) I was also there for. He was definitely a bit of alright with a side of charming. Thanks to Stavs throwing a spanner in the works with Cashel's injury, he also had another intriguing layer.

(Yet) another thing I loved about the book and the series as a whole is Bade. What a fascinating character - truly the perfect onion...with a lot of layers! Stavs did an excellent job creating him.

I won't give away the ending but it was well-executed and an utterly satisfying ending to this exceptional, fast-paced fantasy romance. Stavs' writing just gets better and better with each book & I am totally fangirling her rich imagination and the way in which she so perfectly crafted each book to be its own story yet part of the whole. The series is as Shendri strong as its writer!

P.S. I was also impressed how well Stavs handled scenes & dialogue with multiple people. I always think they are not easy scenes to write..!

P.S. again... Did I mention how cool and in-depth the backstory to Shendri warriors, Bade etc. was..? It was cool. Very. Cool.

P.S. yet again... Oh just get the books and read them already!

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started The Moonlit Warrior with great anticipation, for I had greatly enjoyed the first three books in the Shendri Series, and this thrilling conclusion did not disappoint! The story centers around Fia, the troubled Shendri who fell in love with Bade, whom all of her friends and her three Shendri sisters consider to be their enemy. Fia jumped in front of an arrow meant for Bade and though she has recovered physically, her dragon, Artemis, has been reduced to a fraction of his normal size. She has accepted that Bade did terrible things, but she cannot forget the tenderness he showed her in their moments alone. Will she be able to help her Shendri sisters fight him when the time comes? Will Artemis ever return to his normal size? Cashel feels an instant connection to Fia, but does he have any hope of winning her heart when she cannot forsake Bade? Stavs skillfully brings her fabulous characters to a fitting and satisfying resolution certain to leave readers with a smile.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I really not leave a review for this? Really? Past me, what’s wrong with you?!

This was such a brilliant wrap up to this series. I adore when the combination of characters get together but their interactions are always gold. That was so true here!

The wide range of character personalities really sells this book—the confident, the adorkable, the self worth issues…it’s all here and they make such an entertaining bunch. I loved all their dialogue together.

The love story here is such a sweet one. It takes its time and the buildup over previous books really pays it off here. And there’s plenty of action to really wrap up the story.

A beautifully balanced ending! Well worth adding to your shelf!

[C.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of YA of all genres, this was a wonderful finale to an absolutely fantastic series. Each of the four Shendri Warriors were unique with their own strengths and weaknesses. I loved each love story, but Fia's really had me aching most of all, I think! Without giving away too many spoilers...Stavs really makes you question which characters you love and hate! At one point she even had me angry at a few of the other Shendri Warriors! Nothing was cut and dry and that's storytelling at its finest.

Great job on this series! Looking forward to reading more of your works!

[Hayley Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting finale to the Shendri Series that fans of the series will definitely enjoy! (4.5/5)