Moonlight and the Magician

The Moonlight Curse #1

by Evelynn Carver

Spoiled pretty boy, Valentino, a revered fire mage of singular talent, finds himself pressured into a political marriage with a sadistic noblewoman he barely knows. He’s desperate to find a way out, even if it means leaving his gilded life in the spotlight behind.

​Brand, a mysterious roguish vagabond, approaches Val and charms him into a deal: he will help him escape his problems in exchange for his assistance in breaking a vicious magical curse. What that curse entails is only revealed in the light of the full moon. Is Brand really who he says he is?

What begins as a romantic runaway adventure soon turns out to be much more than they bargained for. It seems that Valentino’s magic isn't worth as much as he thought when it comes to dealing with a willful demon, gunslinging bounty hunters, and his own fickle heart. He might be falling in lust with a monster, but will he sell his very soul just to run away from responsibility?

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Magic, LGBT, Historical, Queer Fantasy, Adventure

373 pages, ebook

Published November 15, 2022

About the author

Evelynn Carver writes queer fantasy, romance, and other speculative fiction.

​Her first novel Moonlight and the Magician, a queer fantasy romance novel, was published by NineStar Press in 2022. The sequels have been announced and will be coming out soon!

Evelynn lives with her partner, child, and dog in the Deep Dark South (also known as Atlanta, Georgia). She studied art in school and is somehow still deemed employable. In her free time, she reads genre fiction, plays video games, watches cartoons, and engages in other related unseemly behavior. She’s been writing and drawing stories since she was in grade school and would one day love to grow up to be a Real Author.

Reviews

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I have so many feelings about this book it’s not even funny. Brand and Valentino have completely stolen my heart, and I’m obsessed with them and their journey. Brand is an attractive and capable outlaw on a mission. Valentino is a spoiled nobleman who longs to escape his impending marriage to the Lady Mariona, a match that will help his entire family rise above their station. When the two meet, sparks fly, and when Valentino agrees to run away with Brand, everything changes for them both.

First of all, I want to say that the banter between Brand and Valentino is everything! They have a complex relationship, but the comebacks and the sarcasm was amazing. I loved Brand’s charismatic nature, and how strong and capable he was. I also loved Valentino because he’s super sweet, and despite his aristocratic background, he didn’t hesitate to do his part while he and Brand were on the run. I’m dying for book two!!!

[Samantha Garri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I'd heard about this book made me think I'd love it, and I absolutely did.
The world-building was epic and I loved how Valentino explained magic. Both the main characters and the side-characters were compelling, and I was so curious as to what Brand was hiding! There were a lot of excellent hints but his secret was kept secret enough that when it was finally revealed, it felt super satisfying.
I actually screamed internally at the end, and I'm SO glad this is just the start of the series – I cannot wait to read the rest!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly .. the world building? Phenomenal. Also, how am I feeling so many different things at once right now?! Valentino had me not liking him right away but a love to hate? And Brand? Listen I’m ready for the next book for more!

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He'd sold his favorite horse, given away all his money, nearly killed his own sisters, burned down a bloody forest, and for what? Saddle sores, bite marks and a broken heart?"

I don't give five stars that often but I truly feel this deserves it
Was it perfect?
No
But it was so wonderfully magical. The author wove a tale of mystery and adventure that left me enchanted - I know a touch sappy but truly I was captive from the first page to the OMG you have to be kidding NO WAY!! I need to know now ending
Yes there is a book two but it is just around the corner so you can start the adventure now

Real quick recap -
Valentino our self-centered, ego-driven soon-to-be married-off Barron is not happy with his lot in life so when an opportunity, ​Brand, is laid at his feet he grasps at it. It doesn't hurt that the smexy is off-the-charts hot! What has he got to lose?
Brand has an agenda which we do not find out till much later in the story - though there were clues I should have put together - and when it is revealed?
Holy SHittake I was speechless.

This has adventure, suspense, mystery, betrayal, lots and lots of smexy, battles, magic, and secrets (like Valention's mom and a couple of others I do not want to spoil because again OMG so did not see that coming), fiefdoms and kings and queens and bandits and just a bit of everything!

Highly recommend - Outstanding world-building - Great characters - Solid storyline - well constructed foundation for the series

This is available in Kobo +

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author, and I understand it's the start of a planned series. I liked the world building in this, clearly a lot has gone into planning that and there is so much scope for the future books, I think.

Valentino is such a spoiled pretty boy at the start, and I wasn't sure I liked either him or Brand at the start, it took me a good while to warm up to them both, and I still can't quite get around that Valentino just left with Brand so easily, and didn't ask any questions about where they were going at all, just seemed rather naive to me but then, he's had a sheltered upbringing and wanted out. There was some nice character development with both as the story unfolded though, and I am hoping there is more to come yet, we've only scratched the surface of both, I think.

This was a good start, good world building and enough of a hook in the story that I'm keen to follow it and see what happens next.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Yaredi Pizano · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to elemental magic, I'm in.
Valentino our great magic prodigy but also an egomaniac who always wants to get what he wants, except when it comes to her mother, he can't beat her.
Accustomed to handling all his conquests at will, he finds himself with a great challenge when Brand, a mysterious, sarcastic stranger, does not do what he wants and gives him the alternative of another life.
Everything begins to change, he finds himself in situations he never imagined, and he begins to discover another part of himself that until now I did not believe was in him.
I loved that the author gave us great chemistry but that she did not turn it into insta love, on the contrary, despite the fact that the spicy begins when they meet, she gradually gives us the sentimental and few know how to do this.
I am also completely hooked on Brand's secret, and that beautiful beast, I want to see more of it.
These two will definitely be pure dynamite. And I don't know if I'm more excited or terrified that Brand's father shows up but I know it will add a lot of turmoil to the plot.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adventure had phenomenal world building! The political world is complicated. Valentino is spoiled and well not very likable at all in my opinion. I think the author was brave to take this kind of realistic approach to a character being a product of his environment and just really being who he is. I loved the mystery of Brand though and that kept me reading. Val grows on you as the adventure and Brand change him just a bit!

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author created a world that had me hooked from the very first page.

Valentino wasn’t the most likeable of people however, somewhere along the way, I actually started to like him. He surprised me during their journey, I was expecting him to complain non stop but he didn’t.

Brand was intriguing but he hid a lot behind those smiles.

Brand and Valentino find themselves smack bang in the middle of political troubles. Can their love survive the challenges ahead of them? Can Brand protect Valentino from those who mean him harm? Are they ready to face the chaos that’s surely coming their way?

Highly recommend this book. Looking forward to the next one.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neither Valentino nor Brand is entirely easy to like at the start— Valentino is a product of his privilege (read: he can be thoughtless and spoiled) and Brand clearly has an agenda he’s not even going to come close to being honest about— but over the course of the story it’s easy to become invested in both of them, and in their relationship with each other. That relationship isn’t simple or easy, but it’s interesting, as is the premise, the world building, and the book as a whole: it took me a bit to fully invest in the narrative, but once there, I really wanted to see more of both the characters and the world they inhabit.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this. There were several different tropes woven in, and it seemed to work well. I liked the MCs, though it took some time for Valentino to grow on me. I enjoyed the banter between the MCs, the adventure, and the risk. I know, not a glowing review, but I did enjoy it. I'm more selective with 4s and 5s these days, but this book is worth reading. I'm curious to see where this series goes.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great mix of political machinations as Valentino becomes the marriage pawn in his family's plan to advance their status, the secret Brand is keeping and the world building setting us up for a great series. It was interesting seeing Valentino being willing to do anything to escape his destiny and how he begins to have to grow and accept responsibility as he and Brand set off together. It quickly becomes clear this isn't fun and games. I can't wait to see where things go in book two.

[Yackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh look, a book I read.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight and the Magician is my first book of Evelynn Carver. The author did an amazing job of weaving an intricate and engaging plot of machinations and political intrigue. I love the arranged marriage/forced relationship trope. And I love the paranoid aspect of the story. I'm not in love with the main character, Valentino. He's just not lovable. But it's not the author's fault. Or maybe it is because the author wrote about a spoiled and temperamental character so well. I prefer sweet and kind and innocent. Of course it fits with the story and the relationship dynamics very well.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is a spoiled rich boy who got married to a sadist woman he knew nothing about but he wants out regardless of the fame it has brought. He will meet another man who needs help in breaking a curse and who will help him. What is the curse? Will he help? How will it all end? Will there be a happy ending? See just how it all goes for them

[Janet Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moonlight and the Magician was my first time reading this author. The world building as well done and it drew me into the story. But I didn’t like Valentino, he was a spoiled brat. Brand took me a while to warm up to, but I did in the end. I really like the arranged marriage aspect of the story. There was quite a lot gong on in the story, but overall, it was a good story.

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF

I was really excited about MOONLIGHT AND THE MAGICIAN but then Brand has sex with Valentino's sister first and that just doesn't work for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I decided to try this one out. This is a new to me author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The world building and character development were fabulous and the relationship was so much fun to watch grow. I love when you’re reading and it’s so good you can visualize it all seamlessly. I was able read this in one sitting time just flew by. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Graculus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up on the basis of the premise, which definitely worked for me, and was generally pretty satisfied with how things worked out - it's the first of a series, with a few threads of the story left hanging and if you're fine with that, you'll probably enjoy this too...

Our two main characters are introduced early on and don't particularly click - one (Valentino, not the most prepossessing name, tbh) is the spoiled but gifted son of a family of fire mages, who's just discovered he's about to be married off for his family's gain, while the other (Brand) is a man with a secret who needs the help of a powerful magic user to break the curse he's under.

He's also from a country where magic is strictly controlled to the point of enslavement but they both need to go there even though it's going to be extremely risky for Valentino? That part of the plot didn't quite work for me, as even if avoiding a potentially cursed marriage (the previous husbands have all died) is going to be a good idea, surely running headfirst into this kind of risk is not a great deal better?

Anyway, the author does a pretty good job of developing both characters from being (on Valentino's part, in particular) quite unlikeable into reasonable human beings and then into a plausible relationship. It's an enjoyable story with some interesting turns and I would be happy to pick up the next book in the series, or take a look at anything else from this author.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book in question.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valentino is an amazingly powerful fire mage. He using his skills for show only not for war. His mother is pressuring him into a political marriage and he wants out. Brand offers him a way. A seeming vagabond, he offers Valentino a deal. Brand will help Valentino escape his life if he will help find the source of a curse. So that it could be broken. The journey is long, fraught with bounty hunters, demons and passion.

These two seem to be such opposites. Yet at the same time, the really seem to fit together. Unfortunately, each is always saying the wrong thing and the two fight constantly. Neither one is willing to leave the other alone though. And when surprises pile up, Valentino learns he is not quite a worldly as he thought. Brand for his part has more than his share of secrets that come out at all the wrong times. The two have some work ahead of them if they want a viable relationship and it seems they do. This is book one of The Moonlight Curse. That means there will be a book two and was a delight for us that will be.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

The world building in this story is lightly touched upon, but when it does touch something, it feels real and earned. The kingdom of Felidereaux has a long history of magic, both in combat — as when they defeated the Empire of Kaenys — and in art, as shown in Valentine’s theatrical displays. The book has a decided emphasis on opposites and balance, push and pull, as evident in names (cat and dog), moon and sun, men and women, fire and ice. Felidereaux is more of a matriarchy, with women in positions of power and men an afterthought whose purpose is more geared towards the begetting of children; in Kaenys, it’s the opposite, with an abusive and brutal king sitting in their throne. It’s nice and I enjoyed the world building.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Val and Brand. It is the first book in the Moonlight Curse series. Please read the trigger warnings. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love the world created by the author. At first I struggled a bit with Val and Brand, but in a very short time I fell in love with them, the way they both grew and the development of their relationship. The action and surprise twists keeps you reading and I can't wait to see what is next. Great read. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read with two fascinating and multi-faceted main characters. The plot and execution were a little lacking for me and while I remained interested throughout there were some elements I found a little bit dull and over-explained.

Overall this was a decent read and I'd be interested in revisiting this world.

[JC Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I became so invested in watching this relationship develop. Each MC had a very distinct personality that really pulled me into their life. The fact that this is the first in a series really excites me. I highly recommend this novel!.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

they do say that opposite attract to each other. we see that what having certain things can make your have attitude. when someone that has alot things from his past it makes for a interesting couple

[Emrys Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelynn Carver’s debut novel Moonlight and the Magician is a delightful fantasy romp with something for everyone: Romance? Adventure? Magic? Mystery? You’ll find it all (and more!) right here. The setting—opposing nations with diverging views on thaumaturgy and a curious teased history—is fascinating; and the world-building is accomplished organically, revealed in time through the eyes of protagonists Brand and Val.

Brand, a charming, capable, and mysterious rogue with a cynical view of (and some entertaining musings on!) the political/upper class, approaches Val, the wealthy, spoiled, and snobbish son of a baroness, with ulterior motives. Val, meanwhile, is feeling the bars closing in on his gilded cage and agrees to take a life-altering chance on the handsome stranger. The two seemingly opposite men embark on a journey together, each for his own, selfish reasons; but as they travel, they develop a mutual understanding and appreciation that eventually—and satisfyingly!—blooms into love.

The dynamic between Brand and Val is undeniably the highlight of the story; and the banter they exchange is, in a word, delectable. The same compliment could also be paid to the love scenes, which are excellently spicy without being gratuitous or overkill and are completely free of laughably cheesy, mood-destroying euphemisms (a common pitfall, IMO, of the romance genre).

In short, Moonlight and the Magician pulls you in from the very first chapter and flies by in a flurry of fancy and flames, leaving the reader simultaneously sated and hungry for more. I can’t wait for the next installment, and I highly recommend you give this one a try! That goes doubly, by the way, if you’re a fan of grumpy one/sunshine one couples, bratty/tsundere characters (Val might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s certainly this reader’s!), and/or bisexual representation (no erasure here!). You won’t be disappointed!

[Bookloversofantastic · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,75⭐️Overall the story is interesting and the first book mostly talked about their meeting, their journey. I had some trouble to really getting into it, especially since Valentino seems like a naive, presumptuous, spoiled boy. However, throughout the story, we learn more about him and discover another side of his personality, which eases his sudden fugue with a stranger. On the other side, Brand bring a mysterious vibe to the plot, we know he needs Valentino but there are still lies hidden behind his motives.
If you like family drama, spoiled boys and magic, well that is the perfect book for you !!
Good start, now we have to see what was planned next !

Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Patdbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing first book of fantasy and adventure, danger, humour, strange magic, shifter, and love

Have put of dtarrimg this boom for what I do not know. Now I have started, and I can not put it down. A strange new wirkd of magic and intrigue. Spoilt Valantino is pampered and feared and about to be traded ( to use a word loosely) for family gain and political moves to the rulers of the duchesy. In steps Brand, a commoner, or is he?. They run off together to escape Vals sentence. Run off into danger, and along the way, the truth comes out gor both men. Monsters, death treats, bounty hunters, strange magic, and attraction that ends in love. And the prospect of an exciting book 2.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Moonlight and the Magician. It’s important to note that this is a trilogy, and you WILL want to read the next book immediately on finishing. It includes solid world building, excellent character development, and a well-paced plot.

I’d call this the journey part of the series. Valentino is running away from a gilded cage, and Brand offers excitement, adventure, and a way out. Over the course of the novel, what started as lust turns into something more as they work together, face obstacles, and get to know one another.

The book ends on a sort of HFN but it’s clear that our protagonists have a lot more in store for them before they reach their HEA.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read if you like
- low-angst fantasy
- political intrigue
- spicy romance
- elemental magic
- shapeshifters

This was a fun, fast-paced, low-angst and easy read, which was exactly what I was looking for. I loved the growing relationship between Valentino and Brand, their sizzling chemistry and all their banter (and the bickering). Their personalities are so at odds but also gel so well together at the same time. And the SPICE was very very nice 😏🌶️

I was very intrigued by the magic system and the whole political intrigue going on with the two warring countries, so I'm very curious to see what happens in part 2.

Despite it being a short-ish book, especially for a fantasy, it didn't feel rushed and kept me intrigued and interested throughout the twists and turns!

Looking forward to reading the second book!