J's Musings

Fantasy is an escape from our mundane lives, dragons, magic, love, bonding by fate, witches, fairies, and then the monsters. Everyone has something to tell us, a story, a legend, a lesson or just a memory of their youth.

As we walk through enchanted forests, somethings change inside us. For the better of our own delicate minds. Today, I wish to share with you, a book I devoured when I finally got around to reading it.

After having spent a few months in my library ‘The Girl Who Drank the Moon’ was read by me about a year or two ago. It has left a lasting impact and raised my bar in fantasy after Harry Potter [a topic for later].

Considering that this is a book with many sub plots, I will only be sharing about the centre piece and leave the others for you to discover.

The protectorate believes there is a witch in the forest who demands an infant every year. So, the youngest child is sacrificed; the elders [kind of government] know otherwise. They know there is no witch, it is a trick to keep the people in control. Between you and me though, there is a witch; a good one, who takes these children and gives them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest.

On the way, she feeds the children star light, leading to the name ‘star children’, but one night; she feeds a little girl moon light. Such is the mistake; she must raise the girl on her own.

With the help of a bog monster [Glerk], perfectly tiny dragon [Fyrian] and herself, Xan [the witch] must raise her little girl in a way that will make her realise magic is her strength. Not weakness.

As we read ahead, we learn about Xan, the protectorate, radicals among them and the many things that explain Xan’s behaviour.

The author’s writing style is bold and raw; nothing is faffy or unnecessary, although the first half can feel unnecessarily slow. It is all world building and requires patience. The one theme I love is ‘what surrounds you, does not define you.’

By the time you are done, there is a bond you will have created with the characters and it might seem bittersweet. It is an unforgettable experience to read this and I hope you have fun reading. 😊

Love,

Janhavi B.

Picture credits: Pinterest- HalliW