A review by cozysquib
Of Moons and Monsters by Willow Hadley

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Of Moons and Monsters by Willow Hadley

Thank the good lord for junk food books. I was in a bit of a slump, and this story kicked me out of it. Did it cure me? No. But it definitely made me forget I was tired and emotionally dead inside for a few days.

Is it a literary masterpiece? Not even close. Am I about to binge-read the rest of the series like it's my job? Abso-freaking-lutely.

This book is basically fantasy comfort food. Sure, there’s magic and portals and mythical beasties, but the real meat of the story is slice-of-life vibes. Just shifter boys, a cozy forest cabin, and our girl trying to navigate a bonkers situation with a lot of eye contact and zero shared vocabulary.

Which brings me to one of my favorite tropes that I didn’t even know I needed: he can’t talk... and it’s hot. Like, none of the main love interests can communicate with her for... literally *all* of the book. And I don’t mean miscommunication like “I have a dark secret I won’t tell you,” I mean straight up “we do not speak the same language.” And you know what? I loved it.

It turns out actions really do speak louder than words. And maybe, just maybe, men get a little more attractive when they literally cannot speak.

Anyway. The writing is rough around the edges, sure, but the vibes? Immaculate. The story? Addictive. The MMCs? Absolutely precious in a fun way.

If you're craving something low-stakes, moderately spicy, and unreasonably entertaining, this is your sign. Go get weird in the woods with these silent beast men. I regret nothing.