When I first started reading When the Moon Hatched, I found the pace a bit slow, as the world and its intricate magic system were carefully laid out. But once the story began to unfold, I was completely hooked. The true heart of this book lies in the intense, emotionally charged romance between Raeve, a skilled assassin and member of the Ath, and Kaan Vaegor, a king burdened by the loss of his loved one. Their relationship is fraught with strife and difficulty, as both characters are deeply scarred by their pasts and the circumstances that bring them together. Raeve’s life takes a dangerous turn when she becomes the target of a relentless bounty hunter employed by the crown, throwing her into a deadly game where survival is uncertain. Meanwhile, Kaan, driven by the unyielding pain of his loss, embarks on a quest for a moon shard in a desperate attempt to ease the never-ending ache in his heart. His journey leads him into Gore’s infamous prison, where he encounters Raeve, a fierce, shackled warrior who challenges everything he thought he knew. The romance between Raeve and Kaan is intense and layered with complexity. Their connection is both passionate and fraught with tension, as they navigate the dangers of their world and the personal demons that haunt them. The chemistry between them is palpable, filled with moments of raw emotion and witty banter that make their love story both compelling and deeply moving. Parker’s world-building is immersive, with dragons that become moons upon their death, a unique magical system, and the ever-present influence of the creators who never expected their dragons to fall. These elements add a layer of mystique and wonder to the story, making the stakes feel even higher as Raeve and Kaan navigate a world filled with danger and political intrigue. By the time I reached the climax, I was fully invested in the fates of these characters. The plot twists, emotional depth, and the intertwining of romance with fantasy kept me turning pages late into the night. This book is a fast-paced adventure that combines love, loss, mystery, and magic in a way that’s both engaging and deeply satisfying. When the Moon Hatched is perfect for fans of witty banter, strong, sassy protagonists, and complex worlds filled with magic and mystery. It’s a story that rewards readers with a thrilling ride and a romance that burns brightly against a backdrop of grief, danger, and political intrigue. I can’t wait for the sequel.

The world building is incredible. The characters have substance. The plot is good and the twist at the end is well executed. However, there is so much purple prose, it’s completely distracting from the story. There were plenty of times I had no clue what was going on during the story because I was drowning in the overwritten details. The story was sometimes hard to follow because of this and I nearly lost interest in finishing the book entirely. The pacing would come to a screeching halt just to make room for the ridiculous amount of detail put into scattered scenes throughout the book. This overindulgence took away from an otherwise amazing story. I hope book two is better.

I've only recently entered the magnificent world of Romantacy and this book has confirmed it's where I belong. After reading the ACOTAR series, as well as Fourth Wing, I picked up When the Moon Hatched by chance, and it has been an amazing adventure. The writing is so lyrical, it almost puts you in trance. From the first pages about the elements and how the world came to be, I have been unable to put this book down. I catch myself daydreaming about it when I can't read. I haven't felt that way about a book in quite some time. It is an intense slow-burn that feels right. It fits the characters well. The action scenes are so well written that you can practically hear it happening around you. There were times I felt confused about what was going on, but you realize that it's by design. The cloak of mystery stays with you throughout the story and it itself is an important character. I know many were put off by the glossary, but I found it very helpful. Its not meant for you to study before you jump into the story, it helps guide you throughout it. I didn't find myself needing it as I got further into the world because the context was more than enough. The world building is so well done that everything takes shape within the context of the actual story instead of drawn out explanations that you never truly understand. This is the kind of book you lose yourself in. Yes, there are many unanswered questions at the end, but, from what I understand, this is a series. Anxiously awaiting the next book, but even if there were no second book, I feel content enough with this story. Unanswered questions serve the imagination well.