About the Book
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Author:
- Rachel Howzell Hall
Cover Story: Like A Moth
BFF Charm: Natalie Imbruglia
Talky Talk: Missing Pieces
Bonus Factor: Gods and Goddesses
Factor: Series Starter
Relationship Status: Needs Work
Cover Story: Like A Moth
This cover gives me witchy vibes, which aren’t exactly accurate for the story within. But the moth is really pretty, and the moon motifs and mushrooms go well with it, creating a cohesive image. There’s something a little “unfinished” about it, though? Maybe the background could have had a bit more color and/or texture, to really drive home the woodsy feel.
The Deal:
Kai doesn’t remember who she is or where she comes from. When she wakes up in the forest outside the city of Maford, with a thief having stolen her clothes and a moth amulet she wears around her neck, she knows that she needs to get them back. But following the thief into the closest town gets her nearly thrown in jail, and she’s tasked with earning money to pay off some “fines.” She chafes at the tasks, but she’s also very curious about Jadon Ealdrehrt, the local blacksmith.
The more Kai starts to remember, the more she’s confused about who she is, what she is, and why she woke up outside of Maford. Some answers might be better left unearthed, however.
BFF Charm: Natalie Imbruglia
Kai is powerful, both mentally and physically. She’s uniquely stunning and obviously something more than just a normal human being. She can be kind and caring, but she can also be violent and ruthless, sometimes switching between the two at a moment’s notice. I’d love to be her friend, but I’d also constantly be worried that something I did or said would set her off. Which, obvs, would make for not so great of a friendship …
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Kai is immediately taken by Jadon, both because of his kindness and his hotness. There’s a charge between the two of them that neither of them can deny. But they both have secrets, and a lot is going in their lives that keeps them apart. Will they get together in the end? I wouldn’t be surprised, but there will be a lot of obstacles to overcome before they get there.
Talky Talk: Missing Pieces
I’m not sure if it was because of Kai’s amnesia, but I was pretty confused for a lot of the book. The world-building was interesting and got even more so as bits and pieces of the truth were revealed, but it remained a muddied story overall. Were this because solely of Kai’s amnesia, I would have been more understanding—and more impressed with Howzell’s innovation. But some situations were solved in mere pages, while others took a whole lot longer or remained unsorted by the end of the book. (Which, to my surprise, is the first in a series.) Characters swung wildly from mood to mood, and their motivations changed unexpectedly, although some are clearly telegraphed. Overall, the plot is solid, but could definitely use some tightening up.
Bonus Factor: Gods and Goddesses
As Kai begins to remember bits about herself and her past, gods of the realm come into play in the story. I’d love to know more about the mythos of this world, which is rich with unique individuals and stories. Hopefully we’ll learn more in future books.
Factor: Series Starter
Although it wasn’t clear to me until I got to the very open-ended end (and the author’s note that said there’s more to come), this is the first book in a series. I’ve already said that a few times in this review, but it’s definitely something I would have liked to know before diving in.
Relationship Status: Needs Work
We had an interesting time together, Book, but I would have loved to be less confused overall. I’m feeling a bit like Kai, not knowing exactly what’s going on, and that’s a discomfiting place to be as a reader.
Literary Matchmaking
Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing is another fantasy story with a strong female MC and a lot of secrets to unravel.
Amie Kaufman’s The Isles of the Gods series involves mythological dieties who act all-too-human.
And for a lighter version of not-so-human folks getting involved with gods, try Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Red Tower Books, but got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. The Last One is available now.
