When the Moon Hatched | By Sarah A Parker
Book Review | Fantasy

My thoughts
It’s been a while since I read a fantasy novel. Maybe that’s why I was completely swept into this vast and majestic world filled with moonplumes and dragons.
Narrative and Plot
Most of the story is narrated by the protagonist, Raeve. She is snarky, aggressive, and stubborn-traits that make her an entertaining storyteller right from the start. However, the narration shifts abruptly at times. Apart from Kaan’s perspective, I wasn’t exactly looking forward to the other points of view.
The pacing reflects the terrain of the world itself. It has its ups and downs. Sometimes, when a reveal happens, it hits like an avalanche. But for the most part, it’s a slow burn. The writing is enjoyable, and I especially liked the banter between the main characters. There was enough mystery to keep me turning the pages, though I did feel the book was a bit long.
Characters and Conflicts
The only characters I truly cared about were Raeve and Kaan. Their dynamic, banter, and the complicated nature of their relationship formed the emotional core of the story. It was intense, yet peppered with playful moments that eased the tension beautifully.
The ensemble cast didn’t get enough page time to really hold my interest. However, I’m hopeful we’ll see more of them in the upcoming books.
The central conflict gave me serious Magadheera vibes. I saw several reviews comparing it to other fantasy novels, but since my fantasy reading experience is limited, Magadheera is what came to mind. The story definitely has elements that would appeal to fans of that movie.
Conclusion
Overall, I enjoyed When the Moon Hatched despite its slow pacing and unresolved threads. This is definitely not a standalone. There are way too many loose ends for that. However, it’s a perfect setup for the first book in a series. It feels like many pieces are poised at the edge of a chessboard, ready to make their next move.