A Moonserpent Tale

by Rosemarie Montefusco

A Moonserpent Tale is a story of hope, purpose, and preservation, a simple adventure for anyone seeking an anti-dystopian tale in uncertain times.

When Kerikan of the Moonserpents is rapidly claimed by a fever, Araina is left to wonder if the cause is her usual shortcomings or the strange blight on so many medicinal plants.

Given one last task to complete—deliver two spell books to Kerikan’s old friend—Araina leaves her familiar seashore to fulfill a final wish.

But after discovering her great aunt’s legacy and ever-persistent expectations have roles to play in the present, the young witch must decide if she’ll complete another delivery—one that might send her across hostile borders, before snapping jaws, and into the core of superstition, suffering, and blind pursuits of power.

Genres: Fantasy

333 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2021

About the author

Rosemarie Montefusco is a writer and artist from New York.

Reviews

[J.S. Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Moonserpent Tale” by Rosemarie Montefusco is an excellent fantasy adventure with plot twists and rich world-building. It’s an intricate, low-tech world with humans, elves, witches, and other magical beings. As Araina’s difficult mentor is dying, she tasks the young witch with a dangerous mission: deliver two books of magic.

Araina is unaware that she’s bringing something even more important: herself. Soon she’s given a new, perilous quest, along with two intriguing comrades. The world hangs in the balance. How can she overcome her crippling self-doubts and survive the harrowing challenges?

Araina, Sol, and Den are strong characters. I also enjoyed the creative imagery. “A vocal exchange stirred up behind her, then it frayed away like a salt-eaten rope.” “The sense sharpened like cicadas of a relentless summer.” The ending is satisfying. Well done!

[M.Y. Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moonserpent Tale is a beautiful fantasy creating a unique take on witches, elves and dwarfs. All of the characters are easy to picture. Araina, the main protagonist is very relatable. When her grandmother dies Araina is not given time to grieve. She is given the task of taking two books that she was forbidden to even touch before to a land that she had never traveled and has been warned about. She has also had to become used to loss because of a blight plaguing the land killing off plants and animals alike. Along the way she meets and travels with a soldier and a cranky elf who rides a pigeon! (I love that) Despite his complaints he is very funny. The reader is immediately intrigued by the mystery of what the books are and what she will encounter in this dangerous land. There were several times I was surprised by the turn of events. The book is also beautifully written with wonderful descriptions.
Most highly recommended.

[Matt Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime reader of fantasy, A Moonserpent Tale is a refreshing change from the norms of the genre.

The writing has the elegance and feel of a classic fairy-tale. Instead of exposition and appendices, we are presented the world solely through the eyes of the characters. This makes the world feel vaster and more mysterious as it is shrouded by the limits of their perception.

Oftentimes in fantasy, the ascension of a character is shown to be clean and almost mystical. In this story, it is visceral and raw - the pain and discomfort makes it feel more grim and real.

The characters are relatable, challenged by their own flaws and struggles, yet still able to find the strength within to persevere.

The story itself evokes a range of emotions. Dark at times, with some light-hearted moments that draw a smile. Joy and sadness, anger and love.

I would highly recommend this book, especially if you're a fan of fantasy and adventure.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was too slow for my liking, but I can see how some would enjoy the story because it was well written. If you are looking for interesting magic and action, this is not the book for you…but if you are looking for a traditional fantasy quest, then I’d recommend it.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely adventure! I loved the plot twists and how the relationships between the main characters morphed throughout the story. And a blossoming romance always makes my heart happy :).

[Kathy Brown]

Enjoyed this book very much. Highly recommended.

[Christi M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most excellent read! Excellent world-building, awesome characters, emotional, suspenseful, full of laughter. Such a transporting book!!