When the Moon Hatched: A Novel: A Fast-Paced Fantasy Romance (The Moonfall Series, 1)

The world building alone was beyond expectations and beautifully crafted. But the characters! I absolutely LOVE Raeve and Kaan. Raeve is so strong and powerful, but you feel utterly broken for her and everything that has happened to her. And Kaan, that man does love like no other fictional man can! 10 out of 10, the best book boyfriend ever. I was so sad about Nee, too, such a cute and endearing side character. The dragons are stunning, cunning, and majestic. And I want to know more about Pyrok and Grihm. The subtle hints of a good story lying in those characters are captivating, and I want a detailed explanation of those two. As well as about Veya and her bangle. Waiting until the fall of 2025 to get another book is gonna be painful. I am so ready to immerse myself back into the world of mythical creatures and beautiful moons 🌙.

I have several favorite books and this one is definitely added to that list! It is so so good. The glossary can make it look intimidating, but it's really not so don't let it deter you. It's a beautifully cruel world she created with a lot of action and a neat magic system. You just can't go wrong with this book. It has dragons, banter, angst, romance, elemental magic and a strong female main character. The only downside is the length of the book. I normally don't like really long books but thankfully this one kept you so interested in the story you just keep wanting more so I am extremely excited for the next book!

I've only recently entered the magnificent world of Romantacy and this book has confirmed it's where I belong. After reading the ACOTAR series, as well as Fourth Wing, I picked up When the Moon Hatched by chance, and it has been an amazing adventure. The writing is so lyrical, it almost puts you in trance. From the first pages about the elements and how the world came to be, I have been unable to put this book down. I catch myself daydreaming about it when I can't read. I haven't felt that way about a book in quite some time. It is an intense slow-burn that feels right. It fits the characters well. The action scenes are so well written that you can practically hear it happening around you. There were times I felt confused about what was going on, but you realize that it's by design. The cloak of mystery stays with you throughout the story and it itself is an important character. I know many were put off by the glossary, but I found it very helpful. Its not meant for you to study before you jump into the story, it helps guide you throughout it. I didn't find myself needing it as I got further into the world because the context was more than enough. The world building is so well done that everything takes shape within the context of the actual story instead of drawn out explanations that you never truly understand. This is the kind of book you lose yourself in. Yes, there are many unanswered questions at the end, but, from what I understand, this is a series. Anxiously awaiting the next book, but even if there were no second book, I feel content enough with this story. Unanswered questions serve the imagination well.

📖 Book Review 📖

When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker ♾️ ⭐️ 🌶️

Blurb -

The Creators did not expect their beloved dragons to sail skyward upon their end. To curl into balls just beyond gravity’s grip, littering the sky with tombstones. With moons. They certainly did not expect them to FALL.

As an assassin for the rebellion group Fíur du Ath, Raeve’s job is to complete orders and never get caught. When a rival bounty hunter turns her world upside down, blood spills, hearts break, and Raeve finds herself imprisoned by the Guild of Nobles—a group of powerful fae who turn her into a political statement.

Crushed by the loss of his great love, Kaan Vaegor took the head of a king and donned his melted crown. Now on a tireless quest to quell the never-ebbing ache in his chest, he is lured by a clue into the capitol’s high-security prison where he stumbles upon the imprisoned Raeve … 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.

Thoughts-

I am still completely speechless and in complete denial I have to wait a year+ for book two! This book was PHENOMENAL! I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and picked this up! If you are looking for a super spicy Romantasy this is not it, BUT it doesn’t even need it! There is so much going on in this book, it’s like a rollercoaster of emotions, just when you think you have it figured out Sarah A Parker hits you with another twist! It is the slowest of slow burns but the tension, angst, and constant banter makes that burn so much better! Raeve is a complete badass, so witty and so so fierce! She quickly became one of my favorite FMCs of all time! And then you have Kaan, literally the perfect book boyfriend - hot, hard exterior with a freaking heart of gold. The man would do anything of Raeve and for the people he rules over. And the dragons 😍 And the elemental magic 😍 The detail and world building, it was all just so freaking good!

#bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookish #bookaddict #booklover #fantasyromancebooks #romantasybooks #fantasyreader #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #fantasybooks #fantasyreader

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

The author created a world and magic system that is mostly unique and different from any other story I’ve read that includes Fae and dragons. All the different creatures, characters, locations, and magic is complex and a little confusing at first, but author includes a glossary for reference, which is helpful.

This book is an adult epic/high fantasy story with dark elements. No YA, no teenage vibes, and no urban elements. Book has a well thought out, unique, complex, clever, well written plot and storyline told from multiple viewpoints.

The characters are your typical attractive Fae with long life spans, but not immortal. Their ages are unclear, but they are definitely grown adults who’ve lived a long time. I only mention this, because I’m a middle aged mom who prefers older characters, lol.

Story has a slow-burn romance between the morally grey fmc and broody mmc, and does have some on page sex scenes that complement the story without being gratuitous. Primary trigger warnings include: violence, blood/gore, torture and abuse (not between main characters), child abduction and abuse (off-page), and some explicit sexual content.

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. She has a very clever sense of humor that I appreciate, especially in a story that has a lot of dark elements. The writing is descriptive, but not over the top. The pacing was well-done. I didn’t find myself skimming over anything.

The only thing I didn’t like was the fmc as an assassin. I feel like that’s a plot device that has been beat to death, and not one I particularly care for. I found her to be a little annoying at times. The way she’s constantly shoving her emotions down deep into her little frozen lake makes her come across as a little too sociopathic. And her connection with the mmc ultimately feels more physical than emotional. Maybe that’ll change in future books? I hope so.

Also, I need to mention that whoever did the book editing was superb! I didn’t detect a single spelling or writing error anywhere throughout the story, which was very refreshing!

Story ends with a cliffhanger! Ugh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m obsessed, easily one of my favorite reads of this year. I could not put this down, wanted to call into work just to read it and now I’m sad till Fall 2025 but it’s ok….kinda

In this story you mostly follow Raeve, and a few other characters. She has lost more than she has and never can know the comforts of love. Raeve works for the assassins of her world to help get rid of men like Tarik. A man who uses and abuses those under him until he seeks fit and discards of those afterwards. Raeve is on a mission to obliterate Tarik when she crosses paths with a man she gets an odd sensation around. Not one to kill like normal but one that does not want to harm. Who’s is this man and why can’t she kill him? Will Raeve get her revenge and qualm her bloodlust? Who is this the real King Kaan?

I ABSOLUTELY loved this book. Can’t stop thinking about out and talking about. I need more people to read so we can all theorize together. I loved that I am following an adult female and not a 18-20 year old. I think there are many books with young adults as the main character and it was refreshing to read this book with a little bit older main character. Also loved the bloodlust of Raeve where I feel a lot of assassins I have read don’t always enjoy their line of work. But Raeve embraces it. My heart breaks for her and all the pain she has suffered and I know will continue to suffer. I will say about 70% of the way through I started to get frustrated with her because of her ignorance and wanting to stay in the dark about things. I get it’s to protect her but it’s just irritating. Still love her but girl just listen to what everyone is trying to tell you please…

Kaan might come in towards the top of my favorite book boyfriends. He is passionate, kind but also cruel. He protects his kingdom, dragons, his sister and his moonbeam. I wanted more Kaan chapters, just to know what was going on in his head. I think the different POV chapters worked well in the plot line, I’m just greedy. I think there is a more we don’t know about Kaan and I can’t wait to learn in the next books.

Sarah’s writing in this is perfect. I loved the banter and I loved the characters. I felt like both main characters had some growth and personal development with room still to evolve in the next books. I think the author does a beautiful job describing everything around her. I felt like I could see, feel and be apart of her world. The glossary in the front was very helpful but can be overwhelming. I did spend a bit of time really reading and understanding everything but not necessary. You could just start reading the book and it you would still understand the lore and world building. It was nice to read on KU and use the search feature to look back at the glossary when confused. And a pronunciation guide!!!!! Answering all my fantasy dreams.

HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

This book wasn’t what I expected, but not in a bad way. I was pleasantly surprised! I absolutely will have book hangover on this one. Couple of things - 1. There was another review that I totally agree with and the review stated that this book was written very poetically that it is almost hard to follow at times and i completely agree. At times i kept going “is this for YA?! Or…millennial moms who need some good reads”. The whole story was poetic and beautiful, it was hard to follow at times and there was so many times I swore the plot would peak and make a drop and it just kinda fizzled. Now. Honestly. I did love the h. I loved the H as well. There was like one 🌶️ but overall if you’re looking for a magical, amazing long read, this is it.

This is my first Sarah A Parker book and I am now her lastest fan ! Wow what an amazing start to a new series .

In Parker's imaginative world, the skies are dotted with the tombstones of dragons—moons formed from their curled-up bodies. This celestial phenomenon sets the stage for a dramatic and enthralling narrative. Reave, an assassin working for the rebellious Fíur du Ath, is adept at completing her missions without getting caught. However, her life is turned upside down when a rival bounty hunter intervenes, leading to a cascade of events filled with bloodshed and heartbreak. Captured and used as a political pawn by the Guild of Nobles, a powerful group of fae, Reave’s fate seems sealed until Kaan Vaegor enters the scene.

Kaan, a formidable figure crushed by the loss of his great love, has taken drastic measures in his quest for solace, including slaying a king and wearing his crown. Drawn by a clue into the capital’s high-security prison, Kaan encounters the imprisoned Reave. Their meeting is charged with echoes of a shared past and the revelation of hidden truths that neither of them can ignore.

Reave and Kaan are complex and compelling characters whose paths intersect in intriguing ways. Reave’s resilience and skill as an assassin are matched by her vulnerability, especially when faced with the machinations of the Guild of Nobles. Kaan’s character is equally layered, driven by loss and a relentless search for meaning. His unexpected encounter with Reave in the prison sets off a chain of events that delve deep into their shared history and the burdens they carry.

While some elements of the plot could be further fleshed out, particularly the political intricacies of the Guild of Nobles, the overall story is compelling and well-crafted. Reave and Kaan’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making for a memorable tale of love, loss, and redemption.

I highly recommend When the Moon Hatched" which is a captivating read that combines high-stakes action with deep emotional undercurrents. While some elements of the plot could be further fleshed out, particularly the political intricacies of the Guild of Nobles, the overall story is compelling and well-crafted. Reave and Kaan’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making for a memorable tale of love, loss, and redemption. I am ready for next installment .

My favorite quote - I was running from a place of pain, starvation, and suffering. Now, I’m running from a place of pleasure, wholesome meals, and deep belly laughs. - Reave

• broody and protective MMC
• stabby and fesity FMC
• multiple POV
• he falls first
• angst
• banter
• high fantasy
• dragons & fae
• elemental powers

biggest critique: it took me about 100-150 pages to get into it because the world is so unique. loved all the reference aides within the book (family tree, glossary, map, pronunciation guide) but got tired of flipping back to it throughout the whole book to figure out what was happening.

quotes: Survival’s funny. Some wear it like a whisper, others like a scream. Mine’s a scorched skeleton of flame-forged rage that keeps me upright. Keeps me moving forward.

If I could ball myself up like a Moonplume and nestle amongst the stars when I know my time has come, I would. Not that I think many would seek me out, but I’d die knowing I left something bright behind in this beautiful world sketched in so many shades of ugly.

“I’m still intent on killing you, if given the chance,” I warn past clenched teeth. “Don’t forget to cut off my head,” he murmurs. “Or I’ll haunt you for eternity.”

He heaves me to a wobbly stand and brushes me off, then leans close, sniffing. “You’re right, you do smell bad.” “Screw you,” I mutter, and he cocks a brow. “You wanted to kill me a moment ago. I can’t keep up.”

“I’m going to cut out your tongue with that blade in your boot.” He whips the hood up over my head, shrouding me in shade. “I’d prefer you use your teeth, but beggars can’t be choosers.”

“Kaan, no. I did not agree to this!” His body stiffens, steps slowing, a low, grating sound coming from him. “Say it again . . .” “What?” “My name, Moonbeam. Say it again.”

Perhaps he’s a good male. A good, honorable king. I don’t have the heart to peel back the layers and find out. I’m broken in ways he’ll never understand, condemned to a lonely existence I’ve found peace with. So no, I don’t want to kill him. Not anymore. I simply want to be free of him.

“Don’t lie to me, Moonbeam. Lie to the world, but please don’t lie to me.”

He’s fire and brimstone. I’m shattered ice. Our collision is steam and destruction, destined to dissipate, but I’ll gladly burn beneath him until the world comes crumbling down.

“So, Raeve. You can swipe at me all you want, pretend you don’t love me as much as I love you. I can take more scars, despite how much they hurt. But you’re not running away.”

“So, Raeve. You can swipe at me all you want, pretend you don’t love me as much as I love you. I can take more scars, despite how much they hurt. But you’re not running away.”

⚠️18+. very violent, coarse language, explicit adult content towards the end

Ok so I know that a lot of folks loved this book but I’m really not a fan of the authors writing style. I had to use the audiobook to make it through. I appreciate the extra descriptions because the words were flowery, pretty, & poetic but I felt like it was overkill and dragged on. This book could’ve been way shorter. I liked the story in a nutshell but reading it was work. I had to read and listen to the audiobook just to stay focused on the story. I also was not a fan of the FMC. I like that she’s feisty but her stubbornness just got frustrating and became cowardice. The MMC even calls her out on it but she just sticks with being a coward and that drags out the story even longer. Kaan (the MMC) is wonderful btw. There were so many moments where they would get to a revealing moment and then oops! interruption… sorry no resolution but hey stay tuned! 😒😑 so again very good storyline. There are a lot of great interconnecting stories as well. I’m sure book two will have a great storyline. I’m just not sure if I’ll be up to reading it.