Series: Legacy of Moonset #1
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: April 8, 2013
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thanks Flux!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]
After the terrorist witch coven known as Moonset was destroyed fifteen years ago—during a secret war against the witch Congress—five children were left behind, saddled with a legacy of darkness. Sixteen-year-old Justin Daggett, son of a powerful Moonset warlock, has been raised alongside the other orphans by the witch Congress, who fear the children will one day continue the destruction their parents started.
A deadly assault by a wraith, claiming to work for Moonset’s most dangerous disciple, Cullen Bridger, forces the five teens to be evacuated to Carrow Mill. But when dark magic wreaks havoc in their new hometown, Justin and his siblings are immediately suspected. Justin sets out to discover if someone is trying to frame the Moonset orphans . . . or if Bridger has finally come out of hiding to reclaim the legacy of Moonset. He learns there are secrets in Carrow Mill connected to Moonset’s origins, and keeping the orphans safe isn’t the only reason the Congress relocated them . . . (from Goodreads)
A deadly assault by a wraith, claiming to work for Moonset’s most dangerous disciple, Cullen Bridger, forces the five teens to be evacuated to Carrow Mill. But when dark magic wreaks havoc in their new hometown, Justin and his siblings are immediately suspected. Justin sets out to discover if someone is trying to frame the Moonset orphans . . . or if Bridger has finally come out of hiding to reclaim the legacy of Moonset. He learns there are secrets in Carrow Mill connected to Moonset’s origins, and keeping the orphans safe isn’t the only reason the Congress relocated them . . . (from Goodreads)
Double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
Granted, Moonset does not have witches of the kind in Macbeth. But this line came to mind unbidden when I was thinking about the book. Readers won’t find any cauldrons here, but there’s fire and toil, and there’s definitely trouble – all of it centered on the magical legacy left to five teenagers by their parents. Intrigued? I certainly was… and I’m pleased to report that I really enjoyed Moonset! The characters were a bit flat, but the story completely offsets that by being really addicting – so much so that I finished the entire thing in one sitting.
The book shares the story of five teenagers – Justin, Jenna, Malcolm, Cole and Bailey – who are all children of the witches/warlocks who made up the coven of Moonset. Being a part of a coven is technically normal in witch world. But to be associated with Moonset is a scandal, as they’re known as the terrorist coven that used dark magic for their abominable acts. It’s a lot for them to deal with, especially as it leads to being ostracized, feared, and attacked.
The novel follows Justin Daggett, who has two important roles as part of the Moonset coven’s legacy: the peacemaker and the leader. He irons out all the conflicts, and tries to take care of all his siblings (older and younger). He basically is the best representative for Moonset. The variety of problems he faces as a witch, as a teenage boy and as a sibling makes for an interesting mix. I didn’t connect completely with his character, though I certainly sympathized with a lot of what he went through.
What slightly disappointed me about this book, apart from my lack of connection with Justin, was how the characters just didn’t completely pop off the page for me. Justin’s siblings, for instance, are present, but not nearly enough for my tastes. We catch glimpses of them here and there, and get to know them on a surface level. Hopefully, as this is a series, we’ll get an opportunity to get to know them more intimately as the series progresses.
The story, really, is what blew me away about Moonset. Scott Tracey managed to come up with a completely believable set of facts about witches, their history and the world. Through little snippets at the beginning of each chapter, we learn about the coven of Moonset, their actions and what the impact of those actions was. Not only was the history fascinating (and very well-presented), it was also cool that he managed to integrate the current politics of the witch world into the story as well.
There are a few things going on in this book, but the main thing can be broken down into two parts. First, there’s a warlock loose in the town of Carrow Mill and he’s coming after the Moonset kids to recruit them into a second Moonset terrorist coven. This, in itself, is already a terrifying idea, especially when you have to watch the group fight hard against the darkness that threatens to overwhelm them.
Second, there’s the mystery surrounding the history of Moonset and how they began and ended. Justin embarks on a pretty intense, confusing journey to discover new facts, but I thought overall that the reveals were done really well. There’s still a lot we don’t know, of course, but what we do discover by the end is enough to whet my appetite.
I really enjoyed Moonset, even though I wish I could have connected with the characters more. It’s a strong start for the Legacy of Moonset series, with a world that’s unique and nicely executed. I’m very curious about the next adventure that the (new) coven of Moonset finds themselves involved with, and I’m crossing my fingers that we follow the narration of a different character (though there’s nothing wrong with Justin, of course). If witches and strong world-building is your thing, I’d definitely suggest giving Moonset a try.
Granted, Moonset does not have witches of the kind in Macbeth. But this line came to mind unbidden when I was thinking about the book. Readers won’t find any cauldrons here, but there’s fire and toil, and there’s definitely trouble – all of it centered on the magical legacy left to five teenagers by their parents. Intrigued? I certainly was… and I’m pleased to report that I really enjoyed Moonset! The characters were a bit flat, but the story completely offsets that by being really addicting – so much so that I finished the entire thing in one sitting.
The book shares the story of five teenagers – Justin, Jenna, Malcolm, Cole and Bailey – who are all children of the witches/warlocks who made up the coven of Moonset. Being a part of a coven is technically normal in witch world. But to be associated with Moonset is a scandal, as they’re known as the terrorist coven that used dark magic for their abominable acts. It’s a lot for them to deal with, especially as it leads to being ostracized, feared, and attacked.
The novel follows Justin Daggett, who has two important roles as part of the Moonset coven’s legacy: the peacemaker and the leader. He irons out all the conflicts, and tries to take care of all his siblings (older and younger). He basically is the best representative for Moonset. The variety of problems he faces as a witch, as a teenage boy and as a sibling makes for an interesting mix. I didn’t connect completely with his character, though I certainly sympathized with a lot of what he went through.
What slightly disappointed me about this book, apart from my lack of connection with Justin, was how the characters just didn’t completely pop off the page for me. Justin’s siblings, for instance, are present, but not nearly enough for my tastes. We catch glimpses of them here and there, and get to know them on a surface level. Hopefully, as this is a series, we’ll get an opportunity to get to know them more intimately as the series progresses.
The story, really, is what blew me away about Moonset. Scott Tracey managed to come up with a completely believable set of facts about witches, their history and the world. Through little snippets at the beginning of each chapter, we learn about the coven of Moonset, their actions and what the impact of those actions was. Not only was the history fascinating (and very well-presented), it was also cool that he managed to integrate the current politics of the witch world into the story as well.
There are a few things going on in this book, but the main thing can be broken down into two parts. First, there’s a warlock loose in the town of Carrow Mill and he’s coming after the Moonset kids to recruit them into a second Moonset terrorist coven. This, in itself, is already a terrifying idea, especially when you have to watch the group fight hard against the darkness that threatens to overwhelm them.
Second, there’s the mystery surrounding the history of Moonset and how they began and ended. Justin embarks on a pretty intense, confusing journey to discover new facts, but I thought overall that the reveals were done really well. There’s still a lot we don’t know, of course, but what we do discover by the end is enough to whet my appetite.
I really enjoyed Moonset, even though I wish I could have connected with the characters more. It’s a strong start for the Legacy of Moonset series, with a world that’s unique and nicely executed. I’m very curious about the next adventure that the (new) coven of Moonset finds themselves involved with, and I’m crossing my fingers that we follow the narration of a different character (though there’s nothing wrong with Justin, of course). If witches and strong world-building is your thing, I’d definitely suggest giving Moonset a try.
Great Review.. It's One of the best famous authors books one can read...!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely overlook not so great characters for a superb plot and strong worldbuilding. ALSO. For witches. I will definitely add this one on goodreads!
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