Reviewed by Megan Hutchins
Throne of the Crescent Moon is an adventure with a heap of
mystery in a rich, Arabian-inspired fantasy setting. That alone was
enough to hook me.
There's plenty of good
things to say about this book -- clear prose, tight plotting, and an epic story
tucked into a slim 274 pages. But I loved this book because of the
characters. Specifically, the young helpers of our main character, a
world-weary ghoul hunter named Adoulla.
Raseed has been Adoulla's
assistant for some time. He's a member of an order of holy warriors
and, refreshingly, he's anything but a hypocrite. I cringed through
this book as moral dilemmas presented themselves. Watching him
struggle to hold to his piety while doubting himself endeared me
greatly. I almost wanted him to take the low road that would make
his life easier at the moment -- but if he did, he wouldn't be Raseed and I
wouldn't adore him half so much.
Zamia, a young woman who can
take lion-shape, falls into Adoulla's group early in the book. Like
Raseed, she puts duty before herself. In her case, this means
avenging her band, who were all slaughtered by the monster Adoulla
hunts. In the back of her mind, she knows her band isn't entirely
dead; she's alive, after all. If she survives, she could have
children and keep the band alive. Her eyes drift to Raseed (there's
some drifting back) but refreshingly, she never pines or
complains. She has her duty; everything else can wait.
Self-doubting perfectionism and
unflinching dedication to family? I'm sure it wasn't the author's
intent, but this describes a lot of the moms I know. These
characters resonated strongly with me. They hit a sweet
spot. I loved it.
Market: Adult Fantasy
Language: I don't recall any swear words, but there are plenty
of highly creative insults not meant for little ears.
Violence: Lots. The most graphic parts are contained
in a handful of chapters from the villain's point of view, so for the
squeamish, the bulk of it is easy to skim over.
Sensuality: Everything in-scene is mild, but there are those
creative curses and prostitutes do exist in the city.
2 comments:
I love the title and the setting of this book. They both caught my interest.
I love the title and the setting of this book. They both caught my interest.
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