Review: 736 pages of everything I’ve ever wanted in a thrilling fantasy romance! 

 

“When the Moon Hatched” follows Raeve, a valued Elding Blade of the rebellion group Fíur du Ath, after she is captured by a renowned bounty hunter employed by The Crown. She finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles—a group of dual-beaded elementals who intend to turn her into a political statement. That is until Kaan Vaegor stumbles upon her. Echoes of the past race between them. There’s more to their story than meets the eye, but some truths are too poisonous to swallow. 

 

This book is a vibrant tapestry woven together with lyrical prose, an immersive world, a unique magic system, mysterious creatures, complex characters, and a beautifully devastating romance. I was captivated by every single thread to the point that I became so deeply entangled in the book that I was afraid to reach the end, because it meant parting the world and the characters in it. 

 

The first half of “When the Moon Hatched” is very slow-paced, which might be a deterrent to some, but was actually helpful for me as I adjusted to Parker’s intricate, dense world-building and parsed through her world’s rich history. Referring to the glossary and map was especially helpful and enriched my reading experience. 

 

Once the pacing picked up, I was gripped by the plot and the multiple perspectives I read from that contributed to its unfolding. I particularly love Raeve’s character. She is a strong, sassy, female protagonist that takes matters into her own hands and doesn’t allow anyone to make her feel less than. Her chemistry with Kaan is undeniable and I really enjoyed how it took her by surprise. She tries to brush it off, but not even their witty banter can mask the tension and longing behind every word, touch, and glance between them. The two are slow to act on their feelings despite my suffering, but the payoff is a balm to the soul. 

 

Parker really got me with the shocking revelations made in the final few chapters. I anxiously await “The Ballad of Falling Dragons”!